Polarization independent Kerr-switch using a polarization diversity loop

Abstract

A new polarization independent (</spl plusmn/10.25 dB) non-interferometric switch using the Kerr effect is demonstrated. The scheme has the advantage of using standard dispersion shifted fiber and is insensitive to acoustical disturbances. A new polarization independent switch using the optical Kerr-effect in standard dispersion shifted fiber is demonstrated. The polarization dependence was measured to be less than 0.25 dB and the switch showed error-free operation when demultiplexing data from 40 Gbit/s to 10 Gbit/s.