Optical devices are disclosed, one example of which includes first and second polarization maintaining ("PM") fibers. The first and second PM fibers in this example are disposed beside each other to form a grouping that includes a secondary axis defined by the first and second PM fibers. The first and second PM fibers are oriented such that a fast axis of the first PM fiber is non-parallel with respect to a fast axis of the second PM fiber. Finally, the optical device is configured so that each of the PM fibers maintains a distinct optical transmission path.