In-line Fiber Polarizer

Polarizers and polarization devices are important components in fiber optic communication and sensor systems. There is a growing need for efficient low loss components that are compatible with optical fibers. An all fiber in-line polarizer is a more desirable alternative that could be placed at appropriate intervals along communication links.

An in-line fiber polarizer was fabricated and tested. The in-line fiber polarizer operates by coupling optical energy propagating in the fiber to a surface plasmon on a metallic film, which has been deposited onto the surface of the fiber. The device was constructed by polishing a short section of the lateral surface of the cladding to within the evanescent field present around the fiber core. Several thin films including a metal film are applied to the polished section of the fiber. Ionic self-assembled monolayer method was used to coat the polished fiber with thin film.