Individual Stokes-Vector-Based SOP Recovery in CO-OFDMA-PON Uplink Transmission

The state of polarization (SOP) is a critical issue faced by the single-wavelength-based orthogonal frequency division multiple-access passive optical networks, because each optical network unit uses different polarization-sensitive optical devices and paths. To compensate SOP variation, an individual Stokes vector-based SOP recovery (ISVSR) technique is proposed. A single pilot-tone-based SOP compensation was individually applied and experimentally verified the effect of the ISVSR technique in the self-coherent reflective passive optical network uplink transmission. By employing individual SOP recovery, a root-mean-square compensation error and bit error rate close to zero were experimentally achieved. Consequently, the SOP variation can be quickly and accurately compensated without requiring hardware-based complex polarization control or installation of expensive devices.