An optical waveguide element includes a core and a cladding that is made of SiO.sub.2. When n.sub.g.sub._.sub.i.sub._.sub.TE is a group refractive index of a TE0 polarized wave in the i-th waveguide counted from a light incidence plane of the core and n.sub.g.sub._.sub.i.sub._.sub.TM is a group refractive index of a TM0 polarized wave in the i-th waveguide, the length L.sub.i[m] of the i-th waveguide satisfies a predetermined relation.

Exemplary apparatus and method can be provided. For example, with at least one first arrangement, it is possible to provide at least one first radiation, which can impact at least one second arrangement that is provided in an optical path between the at least one first arrangement(s) and at least sample. The second arrangement can have at least one birefringent property, In addition, with at least one detector third arrangement, it is possible to receive at least one second radiation from at least one first portion of the second arrangement(s), and at least one third radiation from at least one second portion of the second arrangement(s). The second and third radiations can be associated with the first radiation(s). Using at least one computing fourth arrangement, it is possible to determine information regarding the first radiation(s) based on the second and third radiations.

An optical waveguide element includes a core and a cladding that is made of SiO.sub.2. When n.sub.g.sub._.sub.i.sub._.sub.TE is a group refractive index of a TE0 polarized wave in the i-th waveguide counted from a light incidence plane of the core and n.sub.g.sub._.sub.i.sub._.sub.TM is a group refractive index of a TM0 polarized wave in the i-th waveguide, the length L_i[m] of the i-th waveguide satisfies a predetermined relation.

A fiber is wound into first and second coils lying substantially in respective first and second planar directions having a substantially orthogonal relationship. The first and second coils are configured to result in respective first and second birefringences that are dominated by bend-induced birefringence. The first and second birefringences have respective axes that are rotated with respect to each other in real space by an angle that is substantially equal to 90 degrees. Light traveling through the fiber has a state of polarization that evolves in substantially opposite directions as it travels respectively through the first and second coils. The first and second coils are configured such that light traveling through the fiber acquires respective, substantially opposite first and second phase shifts. Light traveling through the fiber acquires respective first and second differential group delays that substantially compensate for each other.