Polarization mode dispersion in spun fibers with different linear birefringence and spinning parameters

Abstract

This paper shows how the initial linear birefringence determines the necessary spinning parameters to produce spun fiber with optimum differential group delay (DGD) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) properties. DGD measurements are reported on two pairs of fibers, each pair having been fabricated from a particular fiber preform. The fiber pairs each consist of a sample of spun and unspun fiber. These measurements are then compared with theoretical simulations for each fiber to determine the required range of spinning parameters for a given initial linear birefringence. These results should help in optimizing the spinning parameters for producing high-performance spun fibers.