Polarization Mode Dispersion Measurements using Low-Coherence Interferometry

Abstract

An interferometric setup for measuring Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD), was tested. It uses a low-coherence technique in a Michelson interferometer to determine the PMD values in two reels, measuring the Differential Group Delay (DGD). The low-coherence source bounds the minimum value of DGD detected to 0,13 ps, leading to a minimum value detected around 0,14 ps. The measured PMD mean value for one reel, in a period of several days was 0,0405±0,0008 ps/km1/2, and for the other was 0,0463±0,0004 ps/km1/2. Stochastic and random behavior of PMD was observed.