Demonstration of a coherent PMD source

A coherent programmable polarization-mode-dispersion (PMD) source is demonstrated. Measured PMD spectra are favorably compared with coherent PMD theory. Completely predictable PMD sources are essential to rigorously test receivers and transport systems against PMD impairment. PMD sources using coherent PMD technology can generate predictable PMD that includes differential group delay (DGD), second-order PMD (SOPMD), and polarization-dependent chromatic dispersion (PDCD). The emphasis in this work is on harmonic and coherent spectra.