Statistical description of optical system performances due to random coupling on the principal states of polarization

Due to polarization-mode dispersion (PMD), the performances of an optical transmission system show a random behavior. We calculate the probability density function of the Q-factor due to PMD. We adopt the principal states of polarization model, and we also consider the clock recovery behavior at the receiver. Theoretical results are reported for a 40-Gb/s system, and are compared with those obtained considering the effect of pulse broadening due to PMD.