Abstract: An optical phase shifter according to the invention includes the thermo-optical element of which a refractive index with respect to an input optical signal changes dependently on temperature; a temperature change section, having contact with one end of the thermo-optical element and of which a temperature changes so that a temperature of the thermo-optical element becomes a desired temperature; a heat dissipation section being disposed on an opposite side of the thermo-optical element with respect to the temperature change section and going into a state of thermal equilibrium at a temperature different from the temperature of the temperature change section; and a temperature buffer section, being disposed between the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section, having contact with the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section, and having a heat resistance greater than that of the heat dissipation section.

Abstract: A delay line interferometer is configured with a liquid-crystal (LC) tuning element as a phase modulator for demodulating a phase-modulated input signal. The LC tuning element allows for quickly tuning the phase difference between two optical signals separated from the phase-modulated input signal, so that the two optical signals can be coherently recombined to interfere with each other and produce one or more intensity-modulated optical signals. In some embodiments, the LC tuning element is configured to reduce polarization-dependent frequency shift without the use of additional high-precision optical elements and/or coatings.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to scrambling-descrambling systems for encrypting and decrypting electromagnetic signals transmitted in optical and wireless networks. In one aspect, a system (1302) for scrambling electromagnetic signals comprises a first electronically reconfigurable electro-optical material (1402) positioned to receive a beam of electromagnetic radiation including one or more electromagnetic signals encoding data. The beam is transmitted through the electro-optical material (1402) and a two-dimensional speckled pattern (1410) is introduced into the cross-section of the beam such that data encoded in the one or more electromagnetic signals is scrambled.

Abstract: A DPSK demodulator is implemented in Sagnac interferometer configuration with a delay line element introduced in one or both of the optical paths of the transmitted and reflected beams. Because the two reflected and transmitted beams travel on the same optical path (though in opposite directions), the Sagnac interferometer provides all the advantages of a common-path interferometer, is thermally and mechanically stable, and the phase requirements are greatly reduced. In its simplest form, the Sagnac DPSK demodulator. In the preferred embodiment, the beam-splitting surface and one of the mirrors are combined into a rhomb beam-splitter structure and the other two mirrors into a right-angle prism. In a DQPSK embodiment, the input beam is split by an upfront beam splitter into two parallel beams that are then directed toward the rhomb-beam-splitter/right-angle-prism combination of the invention.

Abstract: A demodulator includes: a splitter that branches a differential phase shift keying optical signal into a first branched optical signal passing through a first optical path and a second branched optical signal passing through a second optical path; a multiplexer that multiplexes the first branched optical signal having passed through the first optical path and the second branched optical signal having passed through the second optical path and makes interference between the first branched optical signal and the second branched optical signal; and a double refraction medium that reduces difference between phase differences between each polarized wave between the first branched optical signal and the second branched optical signal multiplexed by the multiplexer.

Abstract: A switchable free-spectral-range mode selector is used to change the free spectral range of a free-space delay-line interferometer. The mode selector consists of a rotatable device with at least one transparent plate selected to produce the desired change in the free spectral range of the delay-line interferometer. The device may be rotated in and out of the free-space optical path of on of the interferometer arms. If used as a DPSK demodulator, the device enables operation at multiple predetermined free spectral ranges. In the preferred embodiment, the demodulator includes a 50/50 beam-splitter cube combined with two cavities. The mode selector consists of a plurality of different transparent slabs attached to a rotatable shaft so that any one of the slabs or none may be inserted in the appropriate optical path to obtain the desired FSR mode of operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a PLC-type DP-QPSK demodulator that reduces connection loss between a polarization beam splitter and a 90-degree hybrid circuit and aims at reducing the manufacturing cost and an optical transmission system using the same. In an embodiment of the invention, a PLC-type DP-QPSK demodulator that receives a DP-QPSK signal includes one PLC chip having a planar lightwave circuit. Input ports and output ports of signal light are provided at an input end and at an output end of the PLC chip, respectively. Within the planar lightwave circuit, there are integrated a polarization beam splitter that splits the DP-QPSK signal into an X-polarization QPSK signal and a Y-polarization QPSK signal, and two 90-degree hybrid circuits that mix the X-polarization QPSK signal and local oscillation light and the Y-polarization QPSK signal and local oscillation light, respectively, split each QPSK signal into orthogonal components I, Q and output them.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a DP-QPSK demodulator includes first, second and third polarization beam splitters (“PBSs”) and first, second and third half waveplates (“HWPs”). The first HWP is positioned to receive an output of the first PBS. The second PBS is positioned to receive an output of the first HWP. The second HWP is positioned to receive an output of the second PBS. The third PBS is positioned to receive an output of the second HWP. The third HWP is positioned to receive an output of the third PBS.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of quasicrystalline structures. In preferred embodiments, the structure is heterostructure comprising dielectric materials arranged in two-dimensional space such that the overall structure is more rotationally symmetric than periodic structures. Symmetry may be five-fold or greater than six-fold. Such higher rotational symmetries provide stopgaps in nearly all directions. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of quasicrystalline structures for optical, mechanical, electrical and magnetic purposes. In some embodiments, the invention relates to manipulating, controlling, modulating and directing waves including electromagnetic, sound, spin, and surface waves, for a pre-selected range of wavelengths propagating in multiple directions.

Abstract: An optical interferometer for demodulating a differential phase shift keying optical signal includes a planar lightwave circuit and at least one free space delay line optically coupled to the planar lightwave circuit. The planar lightwave circuit has a waveguide splitter, a waveguide coupler, and a phase adjuster. In operation, the splitter splits the optical signal into equal portions, the phase adjuster adjusts the relative phase of the optical signal portions, and the free space delay line provides one-bit delay between the portions of the optical signal. The delayed signals are mixed in the waveguide coupler. The free space delay line can be made variable for adjustment of the bit delay for operation at different bit rates, and/or for optimization of the interferometer performance.

Abstract: The present patent application provides a demodulator using MEMS chip for adjusting the phase, which comprises a first interferometer. The difference of the first optical path and the second optical path is an integer multiple of the light speed. A MEMS chip is arranged in at least one optical path of the first interferometer, the MEMS chip is used to adjust the phase of the interference light. The present patent application using MEMS chip for adjusting the phase and phase difference, and also monitor the location of the output beam waveform of the first interferometer and the second interferometer to guide the MEMS chip adjusting the phase difference of the two optical paths. Therefore the adjusting of the phase is more precise by using MEMS chip.

Abstract: A demodulator comprises an input splitter, optical device sets, and couplers. The input splitter splits an input signal comprising symbols to yield a number of signals. A first optical device set directs a signal of along a first path. A second optical device set directs another signal along a second path to yield a delayed signal. At least a portion of the second path is in free space. A path length difference between the first path and the second path introduces a delay between the first signal and the second signal. A coupler receives a portion of the signal and a portion of the delayed signal to generate interference, where the interference indicates a phase shift between a phase corresponding to a symbol and a successive phase corresponding to a successive symbol.

Abstract: The PLC-type delay demodulation circuit includes a planar lightwave circuit that is provided on one PLC chip and demodulates a DQPSK signal. The planar lightwave circuit includes a Y-branch waveguide that branches a DQPSK-modulated optical signal into two optical signals and first and second MZIs that delay the branched optical signals by one bit. A wave plate is provided in central portions of first and second arm waveguides of the first MZI and first and second arm waveguides of the second MZI in such a manner that the wave plate intersects all of the four arm waveguides, the four arm waveguides being close to one another in a portion where the wave plate is provided.

Abstract: An optical communications system includes an optical transmitter that generates a modulated optical signal at an output. The modulated optical signal propagates through an optical link where the dispersion of the optical link is imprinted onto an optical spectrum of the modulated optical signal. A demodulator receives the modulated optical signal and filters at least a portion of the optical spectrum with the imprinted dispersion of the optical link, thereby mitigating effects of dispersion in the modulated optical signal and generating a demodulated optical signal at an output. An optical detector generates an electrical data signal from the demodulated optical signal.

Abstract: A PLC-type delay demodulation circuit includes a planar lightwave circuit that is provided on one PLC chip and demodulates a DQPSK signal. The planar lightwave circuit includes a Y-branch waveguide that branches a DQPSK-modulated optical signal into two optical signals and first and second MZIs that delay the branched optical signals by one bit. The length of a short arm waveguide of the first MZI is different from the length of a short arm waveguide of the second MZI, and the length of an optical path from the Y-branch waveguide to output ports of the first MZI through the short arm waveguide of the first MZI is equal to that of an optical path from the Y-branch waveguide to output ports of the second MZI through the short arm waveguide of the second MZI.

Abstract: Rhomb beam splitters are used to implement various optical demodulators, in particular PSK and DPSK demodulators. The parallel beam-splitting and reflective surfaces of the rhomb structure produce reflection and transmission beams that exit the beam splitter parallel to one another and with a relative phase shift determined by the distance between the surfaces. These features afford the advantages of low cost, compactness, easily tunable, and temperature-insensitive optical structures for constructing a variety of optical demodulators.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provides an optical demodulator, which includes a first reflective mirror, a second reflective mirror, a third reflective mirror, and an optical splitter. The optical splitter is configured to: split input light for the first time; split for the second time a first path of light reflected back by the first reflective mirror, where two paths of light obtained by splitting the first path of light are emitted to the first reflective mirror and the third reflective mirror respectively, split for the second time a second path of light reflected back by the second reflective mirror, where two paths of light obtained by splitting the second path of light are emitted to the first reflective mirror and the third reflective mirror respectively.

Abstract: A demodulator includes a splitter, a first dielectric substance, and a combiner. The splitter splits a differential phase shift keying optical signal into a first light beam and a second light beam and outputs the first light beam to a first optical path and the second light beam to a second optical path. The first dielectric substance is disposed in the first optical path and has a refractive index higher than the average refractive index of the second optical path. The combiner combines the first light beam and the second light beam and causes the beams to interfere with each other. The difference in length between the first and second optical paths and the refractive index of the first dielectric substance are set such that the first light beam is delayed by one bit with respect to the second light beam.

Abstract: Optical communication apparatus, methods, systems are provided based on balanced-detection phase-shaped binary transmission (BD-PSBT).

Abstract: A delay line interferometer is configured with a liquid-crystal (LC) tuning element as a phase modulator for demodulating a phase-modulated input signal. The LC tuning element allows for quickly tuning the phase difference between two optical signals separated from the phase-modulated input signal, so that the two optical signals can be coherently recombined to interfere with each other and produce one or more intensity-modulated optical signals. In some embodiments, the LC tuning element is configured to reduce polarization-dependent frequency shift without the use of additional high-precision optical elements and/or coatings.

Abstract: Rhomb beam splitters are used to implement various optical demodulators, in particular PSK and DPSK demodulators. The parallel beam-splitting and reflective surfaces of the rhomb structure produce reflection and transmission beams that exit the beam splitter parallel to one another and with a relative phase shift determined by the distance between the surfaces. These features afford the advantages of low cost, compactness, easily tunable, and temperature-insensitive optical structures for constructing a variety of optical demodulators.

Abstract: In a free space optical system type demodulator of a phase shift keying signal, if a half beam splitter is used as a non-polarizing optical branching unit that is used when generating beams corresponding to I and Q channels or when multiplexing an interference light, control of a power branching ratio is difficult, and it is necessary to suppress phase shifts that are different depending on a polarization state of an input state, and thereby the demodulator becomes high cost. Moreover, since directions of branched lights are different, it is difficult to suppress a skew of the demodulator. In the present invention, the non-polarizing optical branching unit that is used when generating the beams corresponding to the I and Q channels and when multiplexing the interference light is realized using polarization rotating elements and polarization separating elements. Moreover, branched beams are substantially aligned.

Abstract: A demodulator and method are provided. The demodulator for demodulating an optical signal, includes a splitter that splits a differential phase modulation signal into a first split light component and a second split light component, couples the first split light component to a first optical path and the second split light component to a second optical path, a first medium disposed on the first optical path, a second medium disposed on the second optical path and having a refractive index different from that of the first medium, and a combiner that combines the first split light component that has passed through the first medium and the second split light component that has passed through the second medium, wherein one of the first split light component and the second split light component is delayed in relation to the other.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of quasicrystalline structures. In preferred embodiments, the stopgap structure is more spherically symmetric than periodic structures facilitating the formation of stopgaps in nearly all directions because of higher rotational symmetries. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of quasicrystalline structures for optical, mechanical, electrical and magnetic purposes. In some embodiments, the invention relates to manipulating, controlling, modulating and directing waves including electromagnetic, sound, spin, and surface waves, for a pre-selected range of wavelengths propagating in multiple directions.

Abstract: This invention provides a DPSK demodulator and a DQPSK demodulator. Both of the demodulators are based on polarization delay-line interferometers. They can be integrated with photodetectors in fiber-optic communication systems. The demodulators consist of polarization beam shifter, polarization beam splitter and wave plates. Coupling of the demodulators with photodetectors can be through free space or fibers. Time delay generated in the interferometer can be controlled with a phase shifter, using either thermal, piezoelectric, mechanical or electrical means. Examples of phase shifter using a piezo bender and an actuator respectively are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polarization diversity optical system device includes: a polarization split unit that splits a first coherent light into a first split light and a second split light whose polarization components are orthogonal to each other, and splits a second coherent light into a third split light and a fourth split light whose polarization components are orthogonal to each other; and alight combining unit that combines the first split light with one of the third split light and the fourth split light, and combines the second split light with the other of the third split light and the fourth split light.

Abstract: Techniques, devices and systems based on optical receivers with controllable transfer function bandwidth and gain imbalance.

Abstract: A delayed interferometer includes a branching unit that branches an optical signal into a first optical signal and a second optical signal; a guiding unit that guides the first optical signal in a first optical path to delay the first optical signal when a polarization direction of the first optical signal is the first direction, and guides the first optical signal in a second optical path when the polarization direction of the first optical signal is the second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a demodulating unit that causes the first optical signal guided in the first optical path or the second optical path and the second optical signal branched by the branching unit to interfere with each other, thereby demodulating the optical signal; and a polarization direction adjusting unit to adjust the polarization direction of the first optical signal in the first direction or the second direction.

Abstract: A switchable free-spectral-range mode selector is used to change the free spectral range of a free-space delay-line interferometer. The mode selector consists of a rotatable device with at least one transparent plate selected to produce the desired change in the free spectral range of the delay-line interferometer. The device may be rotated in and out of the free-space optical path of on of the interferometer arms. If used as a DPSK demodulator, the device enables operation at multiple predetermined free spectral ranges. In the preferred embodiment, the demodulator includes a 50/50 beam-splitter cube combined with two cavities. The mode selector consists of a plurality of different transparent slabs attached to a rotatable shaft so that any one of the slabs or none may be inserted in the appropriate optical path to obtain the desired FSR mode of operation.

Abstract: A rhomb beam splitter, rather than a conventional cube, is used in combination with a mirror reflecting both the reflected and transmitted beams to obtain a delay-line interferometer demodulator with a substantially common path. This significantly reduces the sensitivity of the device to environmental changes and also greatly simplifies the manufacture process. A polarization-insensitive coating or a wave plate, a thermal phase tuner with a micro-heater, and two compensator plates are used in the paths of the beams to balance the optical path lengths and to compensate for polarization and environmental effects.

Abstract: Apparatus for combining laser radiation (1) 5 which apparatus comprises a seed laser (2), a splitter (3), a plurality of amplifier chains (4), a reference amplifier chain (7), detection means (5). demodulator means (6), and phase control means (12), wherein each of the amplifier chains (4) comprises at least one optical amplifier (11), optical radiation (17) emitted from the seed laser (2) is split into the plurality of amplifier chains (4) by the splitter (3).

Abstract: This invention provides a DPSK demodulator and a DQPSK demodulator. Both of the demodulators are based on polarization delay-line interferometers. They can be integrated with photodetectors in fiber-optic communication systems. The demodulators consist of polarization beam shifter, polarization beam splitter and wave plates. Coupling of the demodulators with photodetectors can be through free space or fibers. Time delay generated in the interferometer can be controlled with a phase shifter, using either thermal, piezoelectric, mechanical or electrical means. Examples of phase shifter using a piezo bender and an actuator respectively are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical receiver apparatus and methods for mitigating intersymbol interference (ISI) in a differentially-encoded modulation transmission system by controlling constructive and destructive transfer functions. The receiver includes a bandwidth control element for controlling transfer function bandwidth, a transfer phase controller for controlling transfer function phase and/or an imbalancer for imbalancing the transfer functions for compensating for intersymbol interference and optimizing the quality of the received optical signal.

Abstract: A phase-shift keyed signal demodulator is disclosed including a filter positioned to receive an input beam, a first photodiode positioned to receive light reflected from the filter, and a second photodiode positioned to receive light transmitted through the filter. A difference between outputs of the first and second photodiodes is interpreted to determine a data value encoded in the input beam. In another embodiment N filters receive inputs from a splitter and include transmission functions offset from one another. N pairs of photo diodes receive the transmitted and reflected beams from each filter and a decoder converts the outputs of the pairs of photodiodes to one or more data symbols.

Abstract: The delay demodulation device 1 comprises: an input waveguide 2 which receives DQPSK signals; a Y-branch waveguide 3 which splits the input waveguide 2; a first Mach-Zehnder interferometer 4; and a second Mach-Zehnder interferometer 5. Both end of two arm-waveguides 8, 9 of the first Mach-Zehnder interferometer 4 and both ends of two arm-waveguides 12, 13 of the second Mach-Zehnder interferometer 5 are angled toward the center portion of a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) 1A. Because of the angle, the length of the two arm-waveguides 8, 9 of the first Mach-Zehnder interferometer 4 and the length of the two arm-waveguides 12, 13 of the second Mach-Zehnder interferometer 5 in Z-direction can be shortened, and input couplers 6,10 and output couplers 7,11 of each Mach-Zehnder interferometers in Z-direction can be shortened as well. The area occupied by each Mach-Zehnder interferometers 4, 5 are also reduced.

Abstract: The delay demodulation device 1 comprises an input waveguide 2 which receives DQPSK signals; a Y-branch waveguide 3 which splits the light waveguide 2; a first Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) 4; and a second Mach-Zehnder interferometer 5. Both ends of the arm-waveguides 8, 9 of the MZI 4 and the both ends of the arm-waveguides 12, 13 of the MZI 5 are bent toward the center portion of the planar lightwave circuit (PLC) 1A. Thereby, the length of the arm-waveguides 8, 9 of the MZI 4 and the length of the arm-waveguides of the MZI 5 are shortened in the Z-direction. And, the length of the input couplers 6, 10 and the output couplers 7, 11 of the MZIs 4, 5 are shortened in the Z-direction. Therefore, the area covered by the MZIs 4, 5 can be made smaller.

Abstract: A system comprises an optical processor comprising a sideband generator, an optical filter, and a phase-shift-keying (PSK) modulator, wherein: the sideband generator generates optical frequency sidebands about a carrier frequency of an optical signal; the optical filter discriminates between the optical frequency sidebands and the optical carrier frequency such that optical sidebands of interest can be used to generate an optical millimeter-wave signal; the PSK modulator comprises an optical splitter, an optical phase delay unit, two or more optical gates, and an optical combiner; the optical splitter divides the optical millimeter-wave signal into two or more intermediate signals; the optical phase delay unit delays one or more of the intermediate signals to create distinct phase relationship between them; the optical gates modulate each intermediate signal individually, based on a control input; and the optical combiner combines the gated intermediate signals into a single, PSK-modulated optical millimeter-

Abstract: A delay-line demodulator for demodulating a differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) signal is provided. The demodulator includes two Mach-Zehnder interferometers individually comprising two waveguides having different lengths therebetween and through which a light signal branched from the DQPSK signal propagates, respectively. A phase of the light signal propagating at one of the waveguides is delayed as compared to a phase of the light signal propagating at another one of the waveguides, wherein a divergence amount of polarization is adjusted by driving sets of heaters that are facing each other and sandwiching a half wavelength plate therebetween.

Abstract: In a delay line interferometer inside a demodulator, with respect to polarization states of two split beams of light to be interfered with each other, p polarization and s polarization are reversed by a half beam splitter and, further, again multiplexed by the half beam splitter used for splitting so that interference beams of light are generated.

Abstract: A delay interferometer and a demodulator including the delay interferometer and a balanced photodetector are provided. A half mirror splits an optical signal into first and second split beams of light which travel on first and second optical paths, respectively. A first reflector being disposed on the first optical path reflects the first split beam of light toward the half mirror. The second reflector being disposed on the second optical path reflects the second split beam of light toward the half mirror. At least one phase compensator being disposed between the half mirror and at least one of the first and second reflectors includes a medium that exhibits thermooptic effect and has temperature dependency of refractive index. The half mirror couples the first and second split beams of light to generate at least first and second coupled beams of light.

Abstract: Even in an image-forming apparatus including an optical deflection apparatus using a light source such as a high-power laser light source, a variation in temperature of an optical deflector due to modulation of deflected light based on drawing data is compensated to maintain a preferable oscillation state of the optical deflection apparatus. The optical deflection apparatus includes an optical deflector in which an oscillator is supported by an elastic support member to be oscillatable about a support substrate and at least one light source, and the optical deflection apparatus is controlled such that total power of light emitted from the light source to the optical deflector within each of a plurality of divided time regions corresponding to specific times of equal lengths becomes a predetermined power.

Abstract: A signal demodulator and the method of using the same in a scanning probe microscope or the like to provide a feedback path with reduced latency are disclosed. The demodulator includes an input port, a first mixer and a first integrator. The input port receives an input signal having a frequency component at a signal frequency. The input signal is characterized by a signal amplitude at that frequency. The first mixer mixes the input signal with a first local oscillator signal at the signal frequency to generate a first mixed signal. The first integrator integrates the first mixed signal for an integer number of periods of the signal frequency to provide a first output signal.

Abstract: An optical DPSK signal demodulator includes a signal separator that separates an optical signal into an input optical signal and an output optical signal in a signal optical path. First and second reflectors are provided at a predetermined interval and reflect the optical signals with a predetermined time delay to have substantially the same intensity. A phase shifter is provided between the first and second reflectors and configured to allow the optical signals reflected from the first and second reflectors to have a phase difference.

Abstract: A demodulator includes a splitter, a first dielectric substance, and a combiner. The splitter splits a differential phase shift keying optical signal into a first light beam and a second light beam and outputs the first light beam to a first optical path and the second light beam to a second optical path. The first dielectric substance is disposed in the first optical path and has a refractive index higher than the average refractive index of the second optical path. The combiner combines the first light beam and the second light beam and causes the beams to interfere with each other. The difference in length between the first and second optical paths and the refractive index of the first dielectric substance are set such that the first light beam is delayed by one bit with respect to the second light beam.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to scrambling-descrambling systems for encrypting and decrypting electromagnetic signals transmitted in optical and wireless networks. In one aspect, a system (1302) for scrambling electromagnetic signals comprises a first electronically reconfigurable electro-optical material (1402) positioned to receive a beam of electromagnetic radiation including one or more electromagnetic signals encoding data. The beam is transmitted through the electro-optical material (1402) and a two-dimensional speckled pattern (1410) is introduced into the cross-section of the beam such that data encoded in the one or more electromagnetic signals is scrambled.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to control phase shift of delay demodulation devices to reduce Polarization Dependent wavelength (PD?) to be less than, for example, 0.5 GHz (i.e. 0.004 nm).

Abstract: An interferometer includes an optical beam splitter that splits an input optical signal into a first optical signal propagating in a first optical path comprising free space and a second optical signal propagating in a second optical path comprising a dielectric medium. A differential delay delays the second optical signal relative to the first optical signal by a differential delay time that is proportional to at least one of a temperature and a refractive index of the dielectric medium. A temperature controller in thermal contact with the dielectric medium changes the temperature of the dielectric medium to control at least one of thermal expansion/contraction and a temperature dependent change in the refractive index of the dielectric medium, thereby changing the differential phase delay.

Abstract: A signal demodulator and the method of using the same in a scanning probe microscope or the like to provide a feedback path with reduced latency are disclosed. The demodulator includes an input port, a first mixer and a first integrator. The input port receives an input signal having a frequency component at a signal frequency. The input signal is characterized by a signal amplitude at that frequency. The first mixer mixes the input signal with a first local oscillator signal at the signal frequency to generate a first mixed signal. The first integrator integrates the first mixed signal for an integer number of periods of the signal frequency to provide a first output signal.

Abstract: A demodulator and method are provided. The demodulator for demodulating an optical signal, includes a splitter that splits a differential phase modulation signal into a first split light component and a second split light component, couples the first split light component to a first optical path and the second split light component to a second optical path, a first medium disposed on the first optical path, a second medium disposed on the second optical path and having a refractive index different from that of the first medium, and a combiner that combines the first split light component that has passed through the first medium and the second split light component that has passed through the second medium, wherein one of the first split light component and the second split light component is delayed in relation to the other.

Abstract: A delay-line demodulator for demodulating a differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) signal is provided. The demodulator includes two Mach-Zehnder interferometers individually comprising two waveguides having different lengths therebetween and through which a light signal branched from the DQPSK signal propagates, respectively. A phase of the light signal propagating at one of the waveguides is delayed as compared to a phase of the light signal propagating at another one of the waveguides, wherein a divergence amount of polarization is adjusted by driving sets of heaters that are facing each other and sandwiching a half wavelength plate therebetween.