Polarisation in single-mode optical fibres

Starting with concepts of polarisation inherited from bulk optics, the lecture will introduce the concepts of "modal polarisations" in weakly-guiding optical fibres. Thereby certain limitations in measurement systems which employ plane polarisation, as opposed to modal polarisation are considered. The need for highly-birefringent fibres is outlined. Recent research on fibres, having large levels of birefringence, for polarisation dependent applications is reviewed. Particular emphasis will be placed on some recent techniques, developed at Southampton, for incorporating large levels of circular birefringence into optical fibres. Some speculative ideas about possible geometries for future polarisation-dependent applications are introduced