Patent ID: 6556732
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A polarization mode dispersion compensator for correcting polarization mode dispersion in an optical signal, the optical signal having principle states of polarization, the polarization mode dispersion compensator comprising:a phase shifter to rotate the principal states of polarization of the optical signal to a desired orientation, the phase shifter including a plurality of optical fiber segments, and a plurality of fiber-squeezing elements to each selectively impart a force on a corresponding one of the plurality of optical fiber segments, wherein each of the plurality of optical fiber segments is a polarization-maintaining optical fiber defining a fast axis, the plurality of optical fiber segments being spliced together in series such that the fast axis of each of the plurality of optical fiber segments is not aligned with the fast axis of an adjacent one of the plurality of optical fiber segments; and a variable delay section coupled to the phase shifter to impart a desired delay to at least a portion of the optical signal to compensate for the polarization mode dispersion.