Comparison of polarization mode dispersion emulators

Abstract

We analyze polarization mode dispersion (PMD) emulators comprised of a small number of sections of polarization-maintaining fibers with polarization scattering at the beginning of each section. Unlike previously studied devices, these emulators allow the emulation of a whole ensemble of fibers. We derive an analytical expressions and determine two main criteria that characterize the quality of PMD emulation. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.