METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPENSATING FOR POLARIZATIN MODE DISPERSION IN OPTICAL DEVICES

摘要

An optical device for manipulating an optical signal is disclosed. The optic al device has a signal beam path passing through at least one birefringent material. The signal beam path has at least a first signal path portion having a first birefringence and at least a second signal path portion having a second birefringence, wherein sa id second birefringence is substantially equal to and opposite to said first birefringence. Thus, polarization mode desperation (PMD) occurring in said signal as said signal passes through said first path portion is substantially reversed as said signal passes through said second path portion. In a further aspect of the present invention, methods of compensating for polarization mode dispersion are also provided.