SIMPLE-MODEL AND MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE FOR SINGLE-MODE WAVE-GUIDE POLARIZERS

A theoretical description is given of the power distribution of the orthogonal polarization states of a single-mode birefringent waveguide, when mode coupling and polarization-selective loss are present. A generally applicable expression for the extinction ratio of plasmon-assisted polarizers is derived as a function of the polarizer length. Measurements are made with the use of mounted D fibers in mercury as variable polarizers, and excellent agreement with theory is obtained. This method is shown to be a convenient technique to measure the perturbation within a waveguide that causes polarization cross talk. Measured values for D fibers are given.