Nanosecond polarization switch

Using specially designed microstructured fiber, Acreo developed technology for switching polarization in fiber in nanoseconds. 

The component is based on Acreos unique microstructured fiber, filled with metal electrodes using a proprietary process. When passing a pulse through the electrodes, the device has the effect of a Pockels cell, rotating the polarization of light passing through it.

The all-fiber device has low optical loss, and is all-spliced. It switches the polarization in nanoseconds. The technology is now further refined and studied for use in e.g. q-switching of lasers and all-fiber pulse picking.

Selected publications

• Invited: Margulis, W., "Applications of electrically controlled silicate fibers with internal electrodes", 6th Annual meeting of the MIT Center for Integrated Photonics CIPS, Boston, USA. May 2009.
• Yu, Z., Knape, H., Tarasenko, O., Koch,R., and Margulis, W., "All-fiber single-pulse selection and nanosecond gating.", Optics Letters, 34(7), 1024-1026. 2009. abstract
• Knape, H. and Margulis, W. "All-fiber polarization switch", Optics Letters, 32, 614-616. 2007. abstract

About the project

Project leader: Acreo.

Project members: Acreo, KTH / Laserphysics.

Project sponsors: Acreo, KTH, Region Gävleborg, EUs Regional Funds.

Other: Project was carried out within Acreo Fiber Optic Center.

Acreo contact: Walter Margulis, walter.margulis(at)acreo.se, ph: +46 8 632 7723.