Time-domain polarisation scrambler on one bulk LiNbO3 crystal with quadrupole electrodes

Abstract

As distinct from the classic Billings depolariser, a simple time-domain polarisation scrambler can be made on one crystal possessing a threefold axis among its symmetry elements and displaying a linear electro-optical effect (Pockels effect). We demonstrate a polarisation scrambler on a LiNbO3 uniaxial crystal with two pairs of electrodes to which two harmonic voltages identical in amplitude and differing in phase by 90° are applied. The residual degree of polarisation of the depolarised light, quantified by the polarisation extinction ratio, is less than 0.1 dB. Tolerances on the crystal orientation and the phase difference between the control voltages are estimated. The quality of the crystal is shown to be critical to the performance of the scrambler.