Vertically integrated waveguide polarization splitters using polymers

Design considerations, fabrication procedures, and experimental results are presented for vertically integrated waveguide polarization splitters. These devices separate the TE and TM polarizations onto different vertical levels of a three-dimensionally integrated optic circuit. This provides increased integration density for polarization diverse structures. The vertical polarization splitters utilize birefringent polymer materials to create an adiabatic structure. Experimental results yielded extinction ratios as high as 22 and 12 dB for TE and TM polarizations, respectively.