Comparative analysis of interferometric measurements of PMD on optical fibers

Polarization modes dispersion (PMD) is one of the major factors that impose restrictions in the speed of optical communication links and some efforts must be done in order to properly quantify this effect. In this way we develop studies on the behavior of such a phenomenon, critical when light is transmitted through long optical fibers. The focus in this paper is to discuss the different behavior of PMD over different wavelengths ranges. Results indicate that PMD value varies, depending on the spectral region covered by the optical source. Measurements were performed using the interferometric method on three different types of optical fiber with three broadband optical sources covering the infrared spectral bands O, S, C and L. The evaluation of mean PMD is also discussed in the metrology concepts.