Polarization-mode dispersion influenced by polarization-dependent loss and chirp for a Gaussian pulse

Abstract

A combination of polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) and polarization-dependent loss (PDL) in optical fibers may lead to anomalous pulse broadening. It raises the issue for more complete assessments when studying pulse propagation in the presence of polarization-dependent loss. A mathematical description is put forward in this work, where PMD is evaluated in the presence of XPM, PDL, and chirp. Simulation shows that the delay of a chirped Gaussian pulse depends not only on PDL, but also on the chirp of the pulse itself. To some degree, effective PMD can be controlled by PDL and chirp. The results give guidance for PMD compensation.