The JDSU polarization maintaining (PM) fused coupler, enables the accurate monitoring and splitting of optical signals in polarization maintaining fiber. Manufactured using industry-standard PM fiber, the component is available in any coupling ratio from 1 to 50%. Based on fused fiber technology, the PM Coupler demonstrates very low loss, high power handling and there is no price penalty for adding a second input port. The center operating wavelength may be chosen from within a wide variety of operating passbands, including 980, 1064, 1310, 14xx, 15xx and 16xx. In common with all PM components, it is necessary to launch into either the slow or the fast axis to maintain polarization. For the JDSU polarization maintaining (PM) fused coupler, specifications are based on slow axis launch, although fast axis versions are also available upon requested.