Fast digitally variable differential group delay module using polarization switching

Abstract

We demonstrate the first compact, programmable differential-group-delay (DGD) module based on polarization switching. With a unique binary tuning mechanism, the device can generate any DGD value from -45 ps to +45 ps in <1 ms with a resolution of 1.36 ps. The device exhibits negligible transient-effect induced power penalty (<0.2 dB) in a 10-Gb/s NRZ system.