Title :
How accurately can one measure a statistical quantity like polarization-mode dispersion?
Author :
Gisin, N. ; Gisin, B. ; von der Weid, J.P. ; Passy, R.
Author_Institution :
Group of Appl. Phys., Geneva Univ., Switzerland
Abstract :
The differential group delay (DGD) due to varying local birefringence and random polarization mode coupling is a statistical quantity. Its value at any wavelength fluctuates in time. At any given moment it is wavelength sensitive. Hence, polarization-mode dispersion can only be defined as a mean or rms value of the DGD. All measurements of polarization-mode dispersion involve thus an averaging over a finite sample set. Consequently, all measurements are intrinsically of limited accuracy. We present analytical formulae and numerical data characterizing this intrinsic limitation common to all measurement techniques.
Keywords :
birefringence; error analysis; error statistics; fluctuations; measurement errors; optical fibre dispersion; optical fibre polarisation; optical fibre testing; optical fibre theory; sensitivity; statistical analysis; analytical formulae; differential group delay; finite sample set averaging; fluctuates; intrinsic limitation; limited accuracy; measurement techniques; polarization-mode dispersion; polarization-mode dispersion measurement accuracy; random polarization mode coupling; rms value; statistical quantity; varying local birefringence; wavelength sensitive; Birefringence; Frequency; Laser modes; Light emitting diodes; Optical fiber polarization; Optical refraction; Optical variables control; Polarization mode dispersion; Random variables; Wavelength measurement;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
