Dispersion characterization of group birefringence in polarization-maintaining fiber using a Kerr phase-interrogator

Abstract

We present a new approach to characterize dispersion of group birefringence in a long polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF). Two sinusoidal optical signals are respectively launched into fast and slow axes of a PMF under test. Wavelength dependent group-delay difference between two sinusoidal optical signals induced by group birefringence in the PMF is measured using a Kerr phase-interrogator, and dispersion of group birefringence is characterized from the group-delay difference. Measurements of wavelength dependent group birefringence and group birefringence dispersion for a 459.4-m Panda PMF are experimentally demonstrated.