Development of a test setup for precise measurement of polarization mode dispersion in single-mode and polarization-maintaining fibers and for characterization of optical devices

The effect of polarization mode dispersion (PMD) remains a central consideration in the practical development of a universal communication system. A huge number of measurements of polarization mode dispersion have been recorded for single-mode fibers (SMFs), but the white-light interferometry setup used by our research group has yielded more relevant quantitative results, not only for SMFs but also encompassing polarization-maintaining fibers and suggesting devices to cope with the complex scenarios of communication. The setup is unique in measuring PMD for single-mode and highly birefringent specialty fibers. Useful application results have been achieved for different light sources, which reflect exact measurements and their comparison for effective application in the field of communication and precision characterization of the optical fiber. (C) 2006 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.