Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention features articles that include a layer including a plurality of rows of a first material extending along a first direction, the rows being spaced apart from each other and a center of each adjacent row being separated by a distance less than a wavelength ? so that for radiation of wavelength ? propagating along a path through the layer, the layer has a first effective index of refraction, n1, for the radiation having a first polarization state and the layer has second effective index of refraction, n2, for the radiation having a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state, where n1 and n2 are different, where a surface of the layer includes a plurality of trenches, the trenches extending along a second direction and being spaced apart from each other, where a center of each adjacent trench is separated by a distance more than wavelength ?, and the trenches are filled with a second material having a refractive index, n3, different from n2.

Abstract: A birefringent device of substantially uniform thickness less than about 10 microns, and being suitable for operating in a wavelength range about a central wavelength is disclosed. The device includes a base substrate, a layer of periodic index regions of alternating refractive indices applied to a first surface of the base substrate, and a cap substrate located substantially adjacent to the layer distal to the base substrate. The layer of periodic index regions has a periodicity of less than the central wavelength. The device being suitable to produce an arbitrary phase retardation between 0 and 2? phase.

Abstract: Gratings and related devices and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Films for optical use, articles containing such films, methods for making such films, and systems that utilize such films, are disclosed.

Abstract: Films for optical use, articles containing such films, methods for making such films, and systems that utilize such films, are disclosed.

Abstract: Films for optical use, articles containing such films, methods for making such films, and systems that utilize such films, are disclosed

Abstract: Films for optical use, articles containing such films, methods for making such films, and systems that utilize such films, are disclosed

Abstract: Films for optical use, articles containing such films, methods for making such films, and systems that utilize such films, are disclosed

Abstract: Optical retarders and related devices and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A birefringent device suitable for receiving electromagnetic radiation of at least one wavelength is disclosed. This device includes a waveguiding core suitable for transmitting the electromagnetic radiation. This device also includes a plurality of nanostructures defining a plurality of alternating regions of differing refractive indices, and positioned with respect to the waveguiding core to effect the polarization of the electromagnetic radiation traversing the waveguiding core.

Abstract: A radiation polarizer, controller, and a method of radiation polarization and beam control, are disclosed. The radiation polarizer includes a substrate, at least one anti-reflection coating layer communicatively coupled to the substrate, at least two nanostructures communicatively coupled to the at least one anti-reflection coating layer, and at least two groove layers, wherein each one of the at least two groove layers is interstitial to a respective one of the at least two nanostructures.

Abstract: A diffractive optics system for wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing optical signals. The present system can be employed in multiplexers, demultiplexers, spectrum analyzers, and the like. In one embodiment, the diffractive optics system includes a waveguide array, a lens assembly, first and second diffractive optical elements (“DOEs”), and a reflector. In a demultiplexing operation, a multiplexed optical signal is input into the system via an input waveguide in the waveguide array. The signal is focused by the lens assembly, then transmitted through the first and second DOEs, where diffraction of the signal and separation of its constituent wavelength-distinct channels occurs. The channels are then reflected by the reflector back through the first and second DOEs, after which each channel is directed by the lens assembly to one of a plurality of output waveguides located in the waveguide array. A conversely similar process is followed for producing a multiplexed optical signal.

Abstract: A birefringent device of substantially uniform thickness less than about 10 microns, and being suitable for operating in a wavelength range about a central wavelength is disclosed. The device includes a base substrate, a layer of periodic index regions of alternating refractive indices applied to a first surface of the base substrate, and a cap substrate located substantially adjacent to the layer distal to the base substrate. The layer of periodic index regions has a periodicity of less than the central wavelength. The device being suitable to produce an arbitrary phase retardation between 0 and 2 phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for reflecting a select polarization of at least one transmission having a given wavelength impinging upon the device. The device includes a substrate and a layer of nanostructures. The nanostructures form a resonant pattern on the substrate adapted to define a plurality of high contrast refractive index interfaces suitable for reflecting the select polarization of the at least one transmission.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for reflecting a select polarization of at least one transmission having a given wavelength impinging upon the device. The device includes a substrate and a layer of nanostructures. The nanostructures form a resonant pattern on the substrate adapted to define a plurality of high contrast refractive index interfaces suitable for reflecting the select polarization of the at least one transmission.

Abstract: A system and method for wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing with broadened and flattened passband profiles are disclosed. A spectral modifying element may be used to broaden and flatten the passband profile of associated multiple wavelength optical signals and spectral components. The system preferably includes a light focusing device and a diffraction grating having a direction of dispersion. The spectral modify element primarily transforms or broadens and flattens optical signals in only the direction of dispersion of the associated diffraction grating.