Ultrashort passive TE-/TM-converter based on InP

Polarization manipulation has become an important issue for the development of high capacity transmission systems. In this paper, we report the first realization of a polarization converter based on the concept of hybrid supermodes, which is highly efficient, which can easily be integrated with other components and which needs no periodic perturbations. We describe the occurrence of hybrid supermodes in strip loaded slab waveguides. This is followed by the presentation of different possible polarization converter configurations. After description of the manufacturing process of the realized converter, the measurement results are presented. The paper close with some concluding remarks.