Synthesis of optical birefringent networks.

Outline of synthesis procedures, with description of the birefringent networks which result from their use. Optical compensators are employed in synthesis procedures in two different ways. The first role is simply the practical one of compensating for slightly incorrect crystal lengths. The second role occurs because some synthesis procedures require different fractional retardations for the stages of the network. Lyot and Solc filters are described, and an attempt is made to show how birefringent networks function. Experimental results are presented, and the application of synthesis procedures to electrooptic networks is discussed.