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Open-loop polarization mode dispersion mitigation for fibre-optic time and frequency transfer.
Optics Express
|February 25, 2022
Summary
Polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in optical fibers complicates time transfer. This study introduces a passive method using alternating polarized pulses and a Faraday mirror to reduce PMD noise by over 100 times.
Area of Science:
- Optical Physics
- Fiber Optics Communications
- Metrology
Background:
- Polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in optical fibers introduces noise.
- This non-reciprocal and dynamic effect hinders precise time and frequency transfer applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a simple, passive method for mitigating PMD effects.
- To enable stable optical phase detection and fiber phase compensation for improved time/frequency transfer.
Main Methods:
- Transmitting optical pulses with alternating orthogonal polarization.
- Utilizing a Faraday mirror at the receiver for pulse polarization restoration.
- Employing a mode-locked laser and pulse interleaver in an open-loop setup.
Main Results:
- PMD noise is effectively shifted away from critical frequencies.
- Stable optical phase detection and fiber phase compensation are facilitated.
- A reduction in polarization mode dispersion by over two orders of magnitude was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The proposed passive solution significantly reduces PMD.
- This method enhances the accuracy of time and frequency transfer over optical fibers.
