Compact measurement of low-PMD optical telecommunication fibers

Accurate polarization mode dispersion (PMD) measurements on modern telecommunication fiber involve significant fiber layout and handling problems. These problems severely limit the quality and quantity of data that can be taken. A new method is proposed for measuring PMD using a large diameter collapsible spool with localized external perturbation (LEP). This method allows the necessary repeated measurements, and virtually eliminates environmental effects, which complicate measurements of low-PMD modern fibers. It is shown that the method produces nearly identical PMD results to a more laborious, conventional method.