Polarization Dependent Coupling of Whispering Gallery Modes in Microspheres

ABSTRACT Two sets of resonances in glass microspheres attached to a standard communication grade single mode optical fiber have been observed. It has been found that the strength of the resonances depends strongly on the polarization of the coupled light. Furthermore, the position of the resonances in the wavelength domain depends on the polarization of light in the optical fiber with maximum magnitudes shifted by approximately 45 0 . Keyword list: Optical Resonances, Polarizatio n, Waveguides, Microspheres 1. Introduction The field of electromagnetic wave propagation is a well developed branch of physics and various physical models have been supported by appropriat e mathematical formulations 1-3 . That includes propagation of optical field in waveguides including optical fibers. In the recent years that area of physics ha s received further attention partially owin g to the advances in micro- and nano-optics. Specifically, with the advent of a phenomenon calle d morphology dependent resonances or whispering gallery modes in dielectric resonant cavities like spheres and cylinders, optical waveguides have been used to deliver the optical field to the cavities