Automatic Polarization Control for Packet Transmission in a Hybrid Circuit and Packet-Switched Optical Network

We demonstrate automatic polarization control for packet transmission in an optical hybrid circuit and packet-switched network. The method combines a commercial automatic controller with a transmission scheme and a novel feedback circuit that ensures continuous feedback. Packet loss rate measurements show less than 0.1-dB power penalty when comparing packet transmission to continuous transmission. The controller causes an additional 0.3-dB power penalty.