POLARIZATION MODE DISPERSION FOR SINGLE-MODE FIBERS WITH POLARIZATION-DEPENDENT LOSSES

Birefringent single-mode fibers with random polarization mode coupling and polarization dependent losses are considered. The effect of these losses on polarization mode dispersion (PMD) is computed. The relevan t number is found to be the differential loss between both polarizatio n modes over one coupling length. For polarizing fibers, the coupling length is of several kilometers, the relevant number is thus high, and the PMD is significantly reduced by the differential loss. For standa rd fibers, on the other hand, the coupling length is of several tens o f meters, the relevant number is thus small and polarization dependent losses have a negligible effect on the PMD.