Abstract: An optical switch includes an optical waveguide to route an input optical beam. At least one polarization switch receives the input optical beam from the optical waveguide. At least one birefringent wedge is associated with the at least one polarization switch. The at least one polarization switch and at least one birefringent wedge operate to direct the input optical beam to two or more output locations through control of the polarization switch.

Abstract: An optical switch includes an optical waveguide to route an input optical beam. At least one polarization switch receives the input optical beam from the optical waveguide. At least one birefringent wedge is associated with the at least one polarization switch. The at least one polarization switch and at least one birefringent wedge operate to direct the input optical beam to two or more output locations through control of the polarization switch.

Abstract: An improved design of beam splitting device is described that is formed by cutting a birefringent material to predetermined dimensions. The beam splitting device resolves input light into mutually orthogonal linearly polarised beams. The mutually orthogonal linearly polarised beams propagate on either side of an axis as defined by the propagation axis of the input light. Such beam splitting devices lends themselves to a reduction in the overall dimensions of an optical system. In particular an optical circulator is described that employs such beam splitting devices so as to allow the transfer of light from a first optical port to a second optical port, and from the second port to a third. Not only does the employment of such beam splitting devices significantly reducing the dimensions of the optical system it also renders the device simpler to align.

Abstract: An improved design of beam splitting device is described that is formed by cutting a birefringent material to predetermined dimensions. The beam splitting device resolves input light into mutually orthogonal linearly polarised beams. The mutually orthogonal linearly polarised beams propagate on either side of an axis as defined by the propagation axis of the input light. Such beam splitting devices lends themselves to a reduction in the overall dimensions of an optical system. In particular an optical circulator is described that employs such beam splitting devices so as to allow the transfer of light from a first optical port to a second optical port, and from the second port to a third. Not only does the employment of such beam splitting devices significantly reducing the dimensions of the optical system it also renders the device simpler to align.