Repeatable First-Order and Second-Order PMD Emulator Using Binary Polarization Switches

A repeatable first-order and second-order polarization-mode-dispersion (PMD) emulator using binary polarization switches is demonstrated. The rotation angles of polarization switches are plusmn22.5
^deg
and are used in pairs between birefringent elements. Repeatability and stability are also verified in the design. Such a device can be potentially used as a compensator to provide tunable second-order PMD with the same amount of first-order PMD to further optimize the system performance.