Polarization combiner/splitter

The invention relates to a polarization combiner/splitter. The polarization combiner/splitter includes a first ferrule, a first optical fiber assembly coupled to the first ferrule and a second optical fiber assembly coupled to the first ferrule. The polarization combiner/splitter also includes a walk-off crystal coupled to the first ferrule. A second ferrule is coupled to the walk-off crystal; and a third optical fiber assembly coupled to the second ferrule. The first optical fiber assembly includes a first fiber GRIN lens coupled to a first polarization mode maintaining optical waveguide fiber. The second optical fiber assembly includes a second fiber GRIN lens coupled to a second polarization mode maintaining optical waveguide fiber. The third optical fiber assembly includes a third fiber GRIN lens and a first single mode optical waveguide fiber.