Abstract: A method for resetting a polarization controller includes determining that the phase magnitude is associated with a first range of phase angles and generating a first control signal having a first characteristic if the phase magnitude is increasing, and generating the first control signal having a second characteristic if the phase magnitude is decreasing. The phase magnitude associated with a second range of phase angles is determined. The first control signal having the second characteristic is generated if the phase magnitude is increasing. The first control signal having the first characteristic is generated if the phase magnitude is decreasing.

Abstract: An exemplary polarization controller includes a first optical element having a first optical axis and configured to receive light having a first phase, a second optical element having a second optical axis and configured to emit the light having a second phase, and a third element having a third optical axis. At least a portion of the third element is interstitial to the first element and the second element. The exemplary controller also includes at least two drivers, both of which can operate in accordance with an exemplary method of present invention.