Ultracompact polarization beam splitter based on a dielectric-hybrid plasmonic-dielectric coupler

An ultracompact polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on a dielectric-hybrid plasmonic-dielectric coupler is proposed. The device utilizes the polarization-dependent nature of hybrid plasmonic waveguides. By choosing proper waveguide parameters, a 2 x 5.1 mu m(2) PBS (including S-bends) with extinction ratios over 15 dB and insertion losses below 1.5 dB in the full C-band should be achievable. The effect of fabrication errors is also investigated. (C) 2012 Optical Society of America