Issue Eur. Phys. J. Appl. Phys. Volume 44, Number 2, November 2008 Page(s) 155 - 161 Section Laser, Optics, Optoelectronics and Nanophotonics DOI 10.1051/epjap:2008157 Published online 19 September 2008

Eur. Phys. J. Appl. Phys. 44, 155-161 (2008)
DOI: 10.1051/epjap:2008157

Estimation of polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent loss in a cascade of optical components

R. Ossikovski

Corning SA, Fontainebleau Research Center, 7 bis avenue de Valvins, 77210 Avon, France

ossikovs@poly.polytechnique.fr

Received: 5 June 2008 / Accepted: 25 July 2008 / Published online: 19 September 2008

Abstract
A general vector approach to the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) and polarization dependent loss (PDL) calculation in a cascade of optical components with each component having both PMD and PDL is presented. By using the formalism, the PMD-PDL coupling effect is quantitatively described and its implications are discussed. In particular, it is shown that the presence of PDL in the components is a second-order effect in the PMD of the cascade. As an illustration of the formalism, a statistical estimation of PMD and PDL in a practical optical device is performed. The accuracy and the computational advantage of the vector approach are demonstrated.

PACS
42.25.Ja - Polarization.
42.81.Gs - Birefringence, polarization.
42.79.Sz - Optical communication systems, multiplexers, and demultiplexers.
42.15.Eq - Optical system design.

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