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Polarization-mode interferometry in birefringent single-mode fibers
L Thévenaz1, V de Coulon, J P Von der Weid
1University of Geneva, Group of Applied Physics, 20 rue Ecole-de-Medecine, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
Optics Letters
|September 11, 2009
Summary
This study introduces an interferometric technique to measure polarization-mode dispersion in optical fibers. The method accurately determines relative group delays without requiring polarizing components.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Birefringent single-mode fibers exhibit polarization-dependent properties.
- Understanding polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) is crucial for optical communication systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an interferometric technique for measuring relative phase delay.
- To directly deduce polarization-mode dispersion from phase delay measurements.
- To assess the technique's sensitivity and applicability to meter-length fiber samples.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an interferometric approach to probe polarization modes within birefringent single-mode fibers.
- Measured relative phase delay across a spectrum of wavelengths.
- Analyzed phase delay data to calculate polarization-mode dispersion.
Main Results:
- Successfully measured the relative phase delay between polarization modes.
- Quantified polarization-mode dispersion directly from phase delay data.
- Achieved a measurement sensitivity of 20 femtoseconds for relative group delays in meter-length fibers.
Conclusions:
- The developed interferometric technique offers a precise method for characterizing PMD.
- The technique eliminates the need for external light-polarizing devices.
- This advancement facilitates accurate PMD assessment in birefringent single-mode fibers.
