Measurements of key parameters for birefringent single-mode optical fibersby optical frequency-domain interferometry

This Letter describes measurements of modal birefringence (MB) and polariza tion mode dispersion (PMD) of a birefringent single-mode optical fiber for use at 1.5 mum in optical wavelength. Optical frequency-domain interferomet ry based on a fixed analyzer method is applied to the measurement of orthog onal polarization components of light guided in the fiber. An amplified spo ntaneous emission source having an optical wavelength range between 1520 an d 1560 nm is used. A channeled interference spectrum is obtained to measure MB and PMD in turn. These two parameters are not frequency-dependent in th e above optical wavelength range and MB = 4.0 x 10(-4) and PMD = 1.33 ps/m are obtained.