Patent ID: 6417948
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A variable delay component utilized to correct polarization mode dispersion in an optical signal having a fast polarization mode component, a slow polarization mode component, and an initial polarization mode differential therebetween, the variable delay component comprising:a plurality of optical fiber delay elements each having a fast axis and a slow axis capable of transmitting a selected polarization mode; and a plurality of polarization selectors optically coupled to the plurality of optical fiber delay elements, the plurality of optical fiber delay elements and the plurality of polarization selectors disposed in series and alternating with one another such that the optical signal traverses each of the plurality of polarization selectors and each of the plurality of optical fiber delay elements as the optical signal traverses the variable delay component, at least a first of the plurality of polarization selectors selectively actuated to translate the fast polarization mode component of the optical signal to the slow axis of at least a subsequent one of the plurality of optical fiber delay elements so as to impose an incremental delay on the fast polarization mode component of the optical signal, such that the sum of the incremental delays imposed by the plurality of optical fiber delay elements on the fast polarization mode component of the optical signal generally corrects for the initial polarization mode differential.