Altera Corporation

Pts Corporation

Network Photonics, Inc.

Tony Sarto

Larry Fabiny

Paulo E X Silveira

Marko Voitel

Optical systems for routing light that reduce or eliminate polarization-dependent loss are provided. Such optical systems generally accommodate an optical element that has an intrinsic polarization-dependent loss and which is disposed to be encountered twice by the light being routed. In some instances, the optical element may be a dispersive element such as a diffraction grating or prism, but the invention has more general applicability. The optical system additionally includes both a reflective element and a wave plate assembly disposed to be encountered by the light between encounters with the dispersive element.

Reduction of polarization-dependent loss in double-pass grating configurations

A diffraction grating that achieves high diffraction efficiency at all polarizations for optical signals at telecommunications wavelengths is provided. The diffraction grating has a substrate and a plurality of reflective faces oriented at respective blaze angles &#x3b8;spaced along the substrate surface, with the blaze angles substantially differ from the Lit trow condition. Each reflective surface is supported by a support wall connected substantially with the substrate surface.

Diffraction grating with reduced polarization-dependent loss

A diffraction grating that achieves high diffraction efficiency at all polarizations for optical signals at telecommunications wavelengths is provided. The diffraction grating has a substrate and a plurality of reflective faces oriented at respective blaze angles &thgr; spaced along the substrate surface, with the blaze angles substantially differ from the Littrow condition. Each reflective surface is supported by a support wall connected substantially with the substrate surface.

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Platteville, CO, United States of America

Tony Sarto