Patent ID: 6658215
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: G02B,H04B

Abstract:
Apparatus for compensating for the effects of first-order and second-order polarization mode dispersion in an optical fiber transmission system, the apparatus comprising:a first-order polarization mode dispersion compensation arrangement responsive to an input optical signal for minimizing the transit time delay between a first polarization component of said input optical signal and a second, orthogonal polarization component of said input optical signal; a second-order polarization mode dispersion compensation arrangement, coupled to the output of the first-order polarization mode dispersion compensation arrangement, said second-order polarization. mode dispersion compensation arrangement comprising at least two of the following elements: a dynamically adjustable dispersion compensation element for essentially eliminating pulse broadening of said optical signal; and an adjustable width optical notch filter exhibiting a center frequency associated with the frequency of said optical signal; and a controllable polarizer for eliminating any optical signal remaining in the second, orthogonal polarization.