We propose a design for a TE–TM polarization splitter based on the addition of antiresonant reflecting layers to the two adjacent channel walls of a standard directional coupler. The geometry of the proposed splitter is relatively easy to fabricate and should allow for an almost total separation between the TE and TM modes of a guided light wave. The analysis of the guided modes of the splitter serves to illustrate the efficiency of the ‘‘resonance method’’ for determining the modes of an arbitrary structure. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.