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First- and second-order polarization mode dispersion generated by a two-stage emulator
Russell A Chipman1, Ravinderkumar Kinnera
1Optical Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA. russell.chipman@optics.arizona.edu
Applied Optics
|December 21, 2004
Summary
A novel two-stage polarization mode dispersion (PMD) emulator offers adjustable first- and second-order PMD without higher orders. This simple design is easier to calibrate than crystal-based emulators.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Telecommunications
Background:
- Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) is a significant impairment in high-speed optical fiber communication systems.
- Accurate emulation of PMD is crucial for testing and developing robust optical networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and present a novel two-stage PMD emulator design.
- To demonstrate the emulator's capability to generate adjustable first- and second-order PMD without higher orders.
- To offer a simpler and more easily calibrated alternative to existing PMD emulation techniques.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a two-stage emulator configuration.
- Implementation using two variable delay lines and a rotatable half-wave linear retarder.
- Calibration procedure comparison with birefringent crystal-based emulators.
Main Results:
- The proposed design successfully generates adjustable first- and second-order PMD.
- No higher-order PMD components were observed in the emulation.
- The two-stage emulator configuration is shown to be simpler to calibrate.
Conclusions:
- The analyzed two-stage PMD emulator provides a straightforward and effective solution for generating specific PMD orders.
- This design offers practical advantages in terms of simplicity and calibration ease for optical system testing.