TE/TM mode splitters on InGaAsP/InP

In a monolithic heterodyne polarization diversity receiver, mode splitters which effectively separate the TE and TM polarization of the optical wave are required. For this purpose, a directional coupler which utilizes a metal cladding on one of its branches to separate both polarizations was investigated. The polarization splitters can act in two distinct modes of operation, depending on the degree of lateral confinement of the optical rib waveguide before an asymmetric coupler. For weak confinement, the metallized waveguide is guiding for TE- but nonguiding for TM-polarization, and negligible TM-crosstalk results.<
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