PLC-Optical Functional Device Shifting Propagation Direction Based on Blazed Diffraction Grating

Abstract

A new type of PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit)-Optical circulator arranged in a straight line has been successfully fabricated. This device shifts the light propagation direction aside by using blazed diffraction grating, which is realized by MEMS fine fabrication technique. The device is inherently small, and eliminates precise alignment and a magnetic garnet crystal required in conventional bulk devices.