The Effect of PDL in a Polarization and Time Division Multiplexed Scheme for All-Optical Class of Service Segregation

We investigate the impact of polarization dependent loss (PDL) in a polarization and time division multiplexed scheme for all-optical class of service segregation. Using orthogonal states of polarization, a packet switched quality of service class shares the wavelength of a circuit switched class. PDL-induced power penalty, in terms of dynamic power fluctuations and crosstalk, is quantified for a single wavelength channel in a metro area network. Unlike traditional polarization multiplexing, the method is not subject to coherent crosstalk. This increases tolerance towards orthogonality degradation, and the power penalty due to PDL is comparable to that of a conventional non-polarization multiplexed system