Performance degradation due to polarization mode dispersion in a coherent optical system with pilot carrier

Performance degradation due to polarization mode dispersion in a coherent optical system with a pilot carrier is evaluated. Using the model of principal states of polarization, the IF signal is obtained and compared to the ideal case without polarization mode dispersion. A simple expression is derived which can be used to evaluate the performance degradation. The results show that the IF signal can be severely degraded if large differential group delay exists between the two principal states of polarization. Hence, the use of a pilot carrier may not be advantageous for a system with large differential group delay between the two principal states of polarization.<
>