Spectral resolved PMD vector monitoring using a scanning Fabry-Perot filter and a polarimeter

Reports on a method and device that allow online measurement of PMD in a fiber link without data traffic interruption. By analyzing, at the receiver input, the frequency dependent polarization of the optical signal, the PMD characteristics of the channel in the corresponding frequency interval can be found. Thus from this result, an optimal filter coefficient setting for e.g. a PMD compensator can be derived. The method described can be used for determination of electrical equalizer coefficients as well. As proof of the operation principle PMD in a signal with broadband spectrum was determined