Visualizing the Limitations of Four-State Measurement of PDL and Results of a Six-State Alternative

Published

September 1, 2002

Author(s)

Rex M. Craig

Abstract

Author presents a method of visualizing polarization-dependent loss in single-mode optical fiber and components. This method uses generalized Poincarei spheroids wherein the power (though polarized) is no longer normalized to unity. The resulting graphical development permits a better understanding of the limitations of the four-state Mueller-Stokes measurement of this parameter in the presence of combined parasitic birefringence and external polarization-dependent losses. A six-state alternative that improves accuracy and repeatability is shown along with the results of preliminary comparison measurements. The alternative is also found to be more tolerant of non-orthogonal states while maintaining short measurement times.

Proceedings Title

Tech. Dig., Symp. on Optical Fiber Meas.

Conference Dates

September 23-25, 2002

Conference Location

Boulder, CO

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

four state, matrix, Mueller, Poincare, polarization, polarization dependent loss, single mode, six state, PDL

Citation

Craig, R. (2002), Visualizing the Limitations of Four-State Measurement of PDL and Results of a Six-State Alternative, Tech. Dig., Symp. on Optical Fiber Meas., Boulder, CO, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=30108 (Accessed October 20, 2025)