OFDM for Optical Communications

Chapter 5 Polarization Effects in Optical Fiber

5.1 Introduction

It is well known that single-mode fiber (SMF) supports two polarization modes. The asymmetry of optical fiber leads to polarization mode coupling or random polarization rotation along a sufficiently long fiber, which is called polarization mode dispersion (PMD).^1,2 This polarization effect has long been considered a nuisance rather than a benefit to take advantage of in the mainstream of optical communications. Random polarization rotation can be overcome by using a polarization maintain fiber (PMF). However, it is cost-prohibitive for long-haul applications. The rapid stride toward high-speed transmission at 40 Gb/s and beyond has spurred extensive research efforts to understand ...