Abstract: The present invention provides a method of combining or splitting optical signals having differing polarities, as well as an optical device for performing the method and an optical communications system employing the optical device. The method includes directing first and second optical signals at a non-immersed, transflective surface of an optical component. The method further includes reflecting from the non-immersed, transflective surface the first optical signal, which has a first polarity, and transmitting through the non-immersed, transflective surface the second optical signal, which has a second polarity.