Comparison of soliton robustness with respect to polarization-mode dispersion with first-order polarization-mode dispersion-compensated linear systems

Soliton robustness to polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) is compared, both analytically and numerically, with that of linear pulses that use first-ord er PMD compensation. It is found that soliton robustness to PMD is comparab le with first-order PMD compensation and in some cases is even better. The effects of soliton control methods on soliton robustness to PMD were also i nvestigated, and it was found that soliton control methods can significantl y improve the soliton's robustness to PMD, particularly for long-distance s ystems. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.