OPTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR COMPENSATION OR EMULATION OF PMD EFFECTS

摘要

An apparatus for compensation or emulation of polarization mode dispersion (PMD) effects occurring in an optical signal traveling over an optical fiber based link comprises controllable birefringence sections and devices for polarization conversion. Each section comprises birefringence optical members or parts thereof, and each section is followed or preceded by one of the controllable devices for polarization conversion. The birefringence sections are at least three in number, and at least one of these has a propagation delay different from that of the other sections. The apparatus comprises a detection device for PMD output and control of the controllable devices for feedback adjustment.