Polarization-insensitive cross correlation using two-photon absorption in a silicon photodiode

We present experimental measurements of the polarization dependence of two-photon absorption in silicon photodiodes at 1550 nm, and we offer a: simple theory that explains our observations. Based on this theory, we propose and demonstrate that it is possible to construct an optical cross-correlation system that is polarization insensitive, provided that one of the two input polarization states can be controlled. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.