Ti:LiNb03 three waveguide polarization splitter.

Optical gyroscopes and laser sharing systems are examples of applications for devices that perform the functions of beamsplitting and polarization separation. I present a Ti:LiNbO3 waveguide device that performs these two functions in a single component. This three waveguide device is designed to split the TM mode equally to the two outer output ports while guiding the TE mode out the center guide. The device is low loss, provides equal splitting, and passively delivers ~-20 dB of polarization extinction. Electro-optical tuning could improve this value to -30 dB.