Abstract

Polarization mode dispersion (PMD), which is characterized by a differential group delay between a pair of principle states of polarization due to the intrinsic and external induced bifringence in fiber optic devices, can limit the maximum transmission bit rate in digital systems and maximum channel capacity in Analog Modulated (AM) system. So far, many PMD measurements of long haul fiber links have been reported. However, detailed PMD characterization in optical components used in fiber optic link, in particular, fiber optic isolator, is limited.¹ In this paper, a systematic study of PMD in E-TEK's polarization insensitive fiber inline isolators (PIFI) is reported for the first time. For given device geometry, we found the PMD in these isolators are highly repeatable and can be predicted with high accuracy. Furthermore, several PMD compensated methods can be utilized to fabricate "PMD free" isolator.

© 1994 IEEE