Ultra-broadband flat-top circular polarizer based on chiral fiber gratings near the dispersion turning point.

ABSTRACT

Based on the dual-resonance principle around the dispersion turning point, a scheme of chiral long-period fiber gratings (CLPGs) formed by twisting a high-birefringence (Hi-Bi) fiber is herein proposed to realise ultra-broadband flat-top circular polarizers. The coupling bandwidth is approximately seven times larger than that of traditional CLPGs. In addition, by introducing chirp characteristics in these CLPGs, an ultra-broadband flat-top circular polarizer with ∼200 nm@3 dB was conveniently achieved. Subsequently, by optimising the chirped CLPGs, a circular polarizer with a bandwidth extinction ratio of approximately 30 dB and a high level of ∼100 nm at 1 dB was realised. It was shown that the mode-controlling performances of the CLPGs can be remarkably improved, which has significant applications in light-field regulation. Finally, for the first time, it was proved that the CLPG cannot generate a vortex beam.