Automatic Maximum–Minimum Search Method for Accurate PDL and DOP Characterization

A fully automatic deterministic maximum-minimum search method for fast accurate polarization-dependent loss (PDL) and degree of polarization (DOP) characterization is described. It is shown theoretically, based on a three-dimensional (3-D) surface model, that the method can unambiguously determine PDL and DOP values. Because it measures PDL and DOP values according to their definitions and without the need for scanning over a large number of polarization states or engaging in extensive intermediate calculations, this method provides the attractive features of high speed, wide measurement range, wavelength insensitivity, and calibration-free operation. The new PDL/DOP characterization method was experimentally demonstrated in a prototype instrument using an in-line polarization controller with ultralow activation loss and PDL

[1]  A. Willner,et al.  Uniformly distributed states of polarization on the Poincarè Sphere using an improved polarization scrambling scheme , 2005 .

[2]  Edward Collett,et al.  Polarized Light in Fiber Optics , 2003 .

[3]  F. Heismann.  Analysis of a reset-free polarization controller for fast automatic polarization stabilization in fiber-optic transmission systems , 1994 .

[4]  B. Heffner,et al.  Deterministic, analytically complete measurement of polarization-dependent transmission through optical devices , 1992, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters.

[5]  R. M. Craig.  Accurate spectral characterization of polarization-dependent loss , 2003 .

[6]  William H. Beyer,et al.  CRC standard mathematical tables , 1976 .

[7]  R. Chipman,et al.  Degree of polarization surfaces and maps for analysis of depolarization. , 2004, Optics express.

[8]  L. J. Cox.  Ellipsometry and Polarized Light , 1978 .

[9]  Nicolas Gisin,et al.  Statistical prediction and experimental verification of concatenations of fiber optic components with polarization dependent loss , 1998 .

[10]  Namkyoo Park,et al.  Limitation of PMD compensation due to polarization-dependent loss in high-speed optical transmission links , 2002, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters.

[11]  A. Willner,et al.  Simultaneous monitoring of both optical signal-to-noise ratio and polarization-mode dispersion using polarization scrambling and polarization beam splitting , 2005, Journal of Lightwave Technology.

[12]  G. A. Sanders,et al.  Theory of polarization evolution in interferometric fiber-optic depolarized gyros , 1999 .

[14]  O. Audouin,et al.  Penalties in long-haul optical amplifier systems due to polarization dependent loss and gain , 1994, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters.

[15]  Yongqiang Shi,et al.  Enhancing the dynamic range and DGD monitoring windows in DOP-based DGD monitors using symmetric and asymmetric partial optical filtering , 2004, Journal of Lightwave Technology.

[16]  Xiang Zhou,et al.  Model for polarization-dependent gain due to pump depletion in a WDM system with forward-pumped Raman amplification , 2005, Journal of Lightwave Technology.

[17]  Bruce Nyman,et al.  Automated system for measuring polarization-dependent loss , 1994 .

[18]  S. Namiki,et al.  Ultrabroad-band Raman amplifiers pumped and gain-equalized by wavelength-division-multiplexed high-power laser diodes , 2001 .

[19]  A. Willner,et al.  Experimental demonstration of the system performance degradation due to the combined effect of polarization-dependent loss with polarization-mode dispersion , 2002, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters.

[20]  E. Lichtman.  Limitations imposed by polarization-dependent gain and loss on all-optical ultralong communication systems , 1994 .

[21]  N. Gisin,et al.  Combined effects of polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent losses in optical fibers , 1997 .

[22]  Paul D. Hale,et al.  High-resolution, nonmechanical approach to polarization-dependent transmission measurements , 1998 .