A small-size polarization splitter based on a planar optical phased array

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Abstract
A novel planar polarization splitter based on an optical phased array is proposed and demonstrated. The dispersive properties of an array of bent optical waveguides is utilized for splitting the two polarizations present in the input waveguide. An experimental device for operation at a 633-nm wavelength, with dimensions of 0.6 x 2.5 mm2, was designed and fabricated using conventional (high-quality) optical lithography. Insertion losses as low as 0.5 dB and far-end crosstalk values of 17-21 dB have been achieved. figuration based on two-mode interference ( device length 20 mm). Mikami (6) achieved loss and crosstalk values of 1.7 dB and 20 dB, respectively, using a 15-mm long directional coupler. In addition, this device requires a tuning circuit for proper operation. In this paper, a new planar polarization splitter with a 0.5-dB loss and a 20-dB crosstalk for the TM channel and a 1.7-dB loss and 17-dB crosstalk for the TE channel is presented. The component, which is based on an optical phased array and is realized by conventional optical lithographic technology, has dimensions of 0.6 x 2.5 mm2.