Polarization Control for Coherent Optical Communication Using Liquid Crystals

Abstract

The electro-optic effect of phase liquid crystals under the action of an externally controlled electric field is analyzed, and the mechanism used for polarization control in coherent optical fiber communication systems is analyzed. A scheme of cascading liquid crystal delay cells to form a bias controller is introduced, and the experimental results are reported. Theoretical analysis and practice show that the liquid crystal deflector is a novel electro-optic device with practical value.