Screening dispersion-shifted fibers for polarization-mode dispersion due to core ellipticity

An attempt to relate polarization dispersion directly to some physical property and then use this as a means by which to characterize polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) is reported. A new diagnostic procedure has been developed and tested for screening dispersion-shifted (DS) fibers with PMD due to core ellipticity. Measurements of far-field radiation profiles across major and minor core axes are used to characterize polarization-mode dispersion. This technique is a relatively simple and quick method of screening dispersion-shifted fibers for polarization-mode dispersion greater than 5 ps/km. Differences in these far-field pattern widths were then correlated with direct core ovality measurements performed using the near-field refraction technique. The authors outline the test procedure in detail, analyze sources of error, and discuss detection limitations.<
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