Abstract: The polarization state of a light wave is changed by a fiber polanrzation retardation device constructed by a method including employment of a pair of clamping fixtures, and a series of steps including clamping, cleaving, splicing, releasing, clamping, and cleaving, so as to achieve precise optical fiber lengths to achieve a desired polarization retarding device.

Abstract: The polarization state of a light wave is changed by a fiber polarization retardation device constructed by a method including employment of a pair of clamping fixtures, and a series of steps including clamping, cleaving, splicing, releasing, clamping, and cleaving, so as to achieve precise optical fiber lengths to achieve a desired polarization retarding device.

Abstract: In many optics applications, it is desirable to retard the polarization of a light wave, i.e., to change the polarization state of a light wave. In a method for retarding polarization of a light wave, a first linear polarization-maintaining fiber having a first beat length is spliced to a second polarization-maintaining fiber having a high birefringence and a second beat length. The second fiber is then cleaved to a length which is a fraction of the second beat length. The first fiber and the second fiber may be secured in a removable or permanent capillary. A light wave is transmitted into the first fiber and the polarization state of the light wave is determined. To adjust the polarization state, the second fiber may be lapped against an abrasive substance. The second fiber may be repeatedly lapped until a desired polarization state is achieved.