Abstract

We present an automatic compensator that effectively mitigates signal distortion due to polarization-mode dispersion (PMD). Accurate compensation is achieved by utilizing a degree of polarization (DOP) monitor with a measurement uncertainty of better than 1% achieved by applying a self-dependent precalibration procedure. The compensation performance at 43Gb/s was evaluated systematically with respect to both first-and second-order PMD by using a crystal-optical PMD emulator. The compensator extended the tolerable differential group-delay (DGD) limit from 8to 28 ps, while maintaining the Q penalty below 1 dB. In terms of the average of a Maxwellian-distributed DGD, the PMD compensator enabled transmission for up to 8ps, or about three times higher than the level tolerated in the uncompensated case. In addition to the compensation performance,we demonstrate successful operation, even for distorted signals with high chromatic dispersion. We believe this capability will be a key enabler for a combined operation with adaptive chromatic dispersion compensators.

[IEEE ]

First-order polarization mode dispersion compensator using two independent feedback signals enabling separation of principal states of polarization and differential group delay controls

Ki Ho Han and Wang Joo Lee
Opt. Express 20(4) 3541-3549 (2012)

In-line liquid-crystal microcell wave plates and their application for high-speed, reset-free polarization mode dispersion compensation in 40-Gbit/s systems

Bharat R. Acharya, Lothar Möller, Kirk W. Baldwin, Robert A. MacHarrie, Ray A. Stepnoski, Cheng C. Huang, Ron Pindak, and John A. Rogers
Appl. Opt. 42(27) 5407-5412 (2003)

In-service light path PMD (polarization mode dispersion) monitoring by PMD compensation

X. Steve Yao, Xiaojun Chen, T. J. Xia, Glenn Wellbrock, David Chen, Daniel Peterson, Paul Zhang, Ansel Belisle, Lei Dong, and Tao Yu
Opt. Express 18(26) 27306-27318 (2010)

Simultaneous optical signal-to-noise ratio and differential group delay monitoring based on degree of polarization measurements in optical communications systems

Claudio Floridia, Glauco C. C. P. Simões, Mariana M. Feres, and Murilo A. Romero
Appl. Opt. 51(17) 3957-3965 (2012)

Polarization mode dispersion compensator field trial and field fiber characterization

Daniel L. Peterson, Bryan C. Ward, Kent B. Rochford, Paul J. Leo, and Greg Simer
Opt. Express 10(14) 614-621 (2002)