Polarizers and polarization devices are important components in fiber optic
communication and sensor systems. There is a growing need for efficient low loss
components that are compatible with optical fibers. An all fiber in-line polarizer is a more
desirable alternative that could be placed at appropriate intervals along communication
links.
An in-line fiber polarizer was fabricated and tested. The in-line fiber polarizer
operates by coupling optical energy propagating in the fiber to a surface plasmon on a
metallic film, which has been deposited onto the surface of the fiber. The device was
constructed by polishing a short section of the lateral surface of the cladding to within the
evanescent field present around the fiber core. Several thin films including a metal film
are applied to the polished section of the fiber. Ionic self-assembled monolayer method
was used to coat the polished fiber with thin film.
