Vertically integrated waveguide polarization splitters using polymers

Design considerations, fabrication procedures, and experimental results are presented for vertically integrated waveguide polarization splitters. Thes e devices separate the TE and TM polarizations onto different vertical leve ls of a three-dimensionally integrated optic circuit. This provides increas ed integration density for polarization diverse structures. The vertical po larization splitters utilize birefringent polymer materials to create an ad iabatic structure. Experimental results yielded extinction ratios as high a s 22 and 12 dB for TE and TM polarizations, respectively.