Optical system having optical control beam

Abstract

An optical device having a first input for at least one input optical signal having a random state of polarization and a first optical element capable of dividing, in space, the input optical signal into a pair of optical signals which are substantially parallel and have a predetermined state of polarization perpendicular to each another. The optical device also having a first crystal element for propagation, in free space, of at least the pair of optical signals coming from the first optical element, and the first crystal element being devoid of internal separation planes, and having electro-optical properties and being associated with electrodes so as to apply a voltage in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of propagation, along the first crystal element, of the at least one pair of optical signals. The optical device also having an optical control element for supplying at least one optical control beam, having a predetermined power, to the first crystal element, the at least one optical control beam being superimposed on the at least one pair of optical signals and having a direction of propagation which along the first crystal element is substantially perpendicular to the direction of application of the voltage, the at least one optical control beam being capable of causing to rotate through a predetermined angle the state of polarization of the at least one pair of optical signals in the first crystal element. The optical device also having a second optical element capable of combining the at least one pair of optical signals coming from the first crystal element in a single output signal and a first output for the output signal.