Abstract: A liquid crystal optical processor is configured in various applications, including a liquid crystal optical switch, polarization independent variable optical attenuator, wavelength selector switch, optical multiplexer and demultiplexer, tunable filter and flexible optical add drop multiplexer. The optical processor is generally configured to include a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding two opposing substrates each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness. The optical processor may be temperature insensative and be configured in one or more pixel configurations. The optical processor may include integrated subwavelength optical gratings. It may also include an integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched between or deposited on at least one or both opposing substrates.

Abstract: A polarization independent optical device is provided wherein the device has two optical paths that include one or more birefringent crystals, a electrically controllable rotator, and a fixed waveplate. The device may operate as a switch, attenuator, coupler, or polarization mode dispersion compensator. The device may also include several folded path embodiments, a multifunctional embodiment, and a temperature insensitive embodiment.