High-speed Stokes vector receiver enabled by a spin-dependent optical grating

Stokes vector direct detection is a promising, cost-effective technology for short-distance communication applications. Here, we design and fabricate a spin-dependent liquid crystal grating to detect light polarization states. By separating the circular and linear components of incident light, the polarization states can be resolved with accuracy of up to 0.25 degrees. We achieved Stokes vector direct detection of quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), 8PSK, and 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation signals with 32, 16, and 16 GBd rates, respectively. We integrated the system, including the grating, photodetectors, and optical elements, on a miniaturized printed circuit board and demonstrated high-speed optical communications with 16 GBd rate QPSK signals. (C) 2021 Chinese Laser Press

Automated summary

Stokes vector direct detection using a liquid crystal grating allows for accurate resolution of light polarization states and high-speed transmission of different types of modulation signals, showing great potential for applications in optical communication.