Polarization mode dispersion in cascaded optical fibre communication links.

Abstract

In this thesis, the theoretical models describing the physical origins of differential group delay (DGD) are presented, and methods of measuring the DGD process are discussed. Three measurement methods are evaluated for their practical usefulness (Jones matrix eigen-analysis, wave-length-scanning and interferometric techniques). Characterization based on measurements of the mean and correlation coefficients of the DGD process with respect to time, wave-length/frequency and temperature are made using the Jones matrix eigen-analysis method. A comparison between the measurements and numerical simulations based on the physical models of the origins of PMD are made. Measurements of the DGD of a system's components and the overall system are made to validate the theoretical models we have that describe how component DGD relates to the overall system DGD. The results of the measurement agree with the theoretical models that the DGD is described by a Maxwellian distribution, and support the cascaded link rule for predicting the system DGD; the correlation bandwidth measurement is seen to agree with the findings of the numerical simulations. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)