초록 ▼

The apparatus may additionally comprise end portions and imaging elements. The first and second end portions are positioned at either end of the apparatus to impart a propagation direction dependent polarization to the first light beam and the second light beam. The first imaging element and the sec

The apparatus may additionally comprise end portions and imaging elements. The first and second end portions are positioned at either end of the apparatus to impart a propagation direction dependent polarization to the first light beam and the second light beam. The first imaging element and the second imaging element are positioned between the first and second end portions. The first imaging element bends the first light beam to a focal point between the first and the second imaging element. The second imaging element bends the second light beam to the focal point. The first beam bender is positioned proximate the focal point and is responsive to a polarization orientation of the first light beam to refract the first light beam toward the second port, and is further responsive to a polarization orientation of the second light beam to refract the second light beam toward the third port.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for circulating light beams between ports and a first port positioned at a proximal end of the apparatus, a second port positioned at a distal end of the apparatus, and a third port positioned at the proximal end of the apparatus, and the first port capable o

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for circulating light beams between ports and a first port positioned at a proximal end of the apparatus, a second port positioned at a distal end of the apparatus, and a third port positioned at the proximal end of the apparatus, and the first port capable of transmission of a first light beam and the second port capable of transmission of a second light beam; and the apparatus for circulating light comprising:a first beam bender with opposing first and second faces at an angle to one another, and the first face and the second face intersecting a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal to the distal end of the optical circulator and the beam bender responsive to a polarization orientation of the first light beam to refract the first light beam toward the second port,a second beam bender further responsive to a polarization orientation of the second light beam to refract the second light beam toward the third port, anda first imaging element positioned between the first face of the first beam bender and the first and third ports, and the first imaging element bending the first light beam toward a center portion of the second face of the first beam bender, and collimating the first light beam.