Optical fibers are not perfectly circular, and the polarization is split into two different components that spread at different speeds. Polarization rotators are used to continuously rotate the polarization of input beams of electromagnetic energy at a certain, predetermined angle.
Optical polarization is a part of an optical signal in an optical system. In communication systems that use optical fiber, polarization-dependent effects can impact performance and proper operation of the optical system.
Polarization rotators are used in various applications, including laser rods, three-dimensional stereovision video applications and electron linear accelerators.