Fiber squeezing device

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for selectively introducing birefringence in an optical fiber includes an actuator which selectively exerts a force on the fiber, and a registration key which selectively orients an axis of the optical fiber at predetermined azimuths. According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for changing the polarization state of an optical signal includes a plurality of sequentially connected phase shifters, wherein each of the phase shifters is adapted to exert a force on an optical fiber disposed therein. Each of the plurality of phase shifters includes a registration key which selectively orients an axis of the optical fiber disposed in the registration key at a predetermined azimuth.