An optical isolator includes a first stage configured to refract a light ray applied in a forward direction into a first ray and a second ray. A second stage rotated 90 with respect to the first is configured to refract said first and second rays in a substantially parallel manner. The isolator is configured such that the first ray comprises an e-ray with respect to the first stage and an o-ray with respect to the second stage, and the second ray comprises an o-ray with respect to the first stage and an e-ray with respect to the second stage, thereby substantially reducing the effects of polarization mode dispersion.