A Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) emulator with tunable first order PMD and a constant
second order PMD for emulation of PMD in optical network systems
Our partner, a South-African University has developed a novel technology to emulate first and second
order polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in optical fiber networks and other applications. They would
like to discuss this novel technology with potential partners who already sell emulators and other
related equipment and who may be interested in adding value to their existing portfolio of products
using this technology. The technology owner is interested in the following co-operations: licensing,
sale or investment.
Innovation of the product:
This technology is aimed at emulating first order (FO) and second order (SO) PMD in optical network
systems. PMD is one of the key factors limiting signal transmission speed in optical network systems.
This PMD emulator is designed from a combination of an optical delay line, a polarization controller
and a fixed number of concatenated polarization maintaining fiber (PMF) segments. The advantage of
this emulator lies in the fact that SO-PMD of differential group delay behavior can be set as stochastic
or otherwise, depending on the emulator configuration.
This technology allows for emulation of PMD by simply tuning the first-order PMD and keeping the
second-order PMD constant. The advantage of this emulator lies in the fact that SO-PMD of
differential group delay behavior can be set as stochastic or otherwise depending on the emulator
configuration. This therefore allows for generation of predetermined SO-PMD by controlling the mode
coupling. The optical delay line will only adjust the differential group delay.
The emulator comprises of a sub-emulator (made up of cascaded PMF segments), a computer
controlled polarization controller and an optical delay line.
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The sub-emulator generates a desired amount (fixed) of SO-PMD with an associated statistic.
SO-PMD is induced by introducing mode coupling.
The polarization controller is programmed to ensure its angle
Main advantages:
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Performs PMD emulation under controlled environments
Second order PMD of differential group delay behavior can be set as either stochastic or
otherwise, depending on the emulator configuration.
Designed from a combination of optical delay line, a polarization controller and a fixed number
of concatenated PMF segments.
Potential areas of use:
Typical application areas:
Optical network systems
Typical customers:
Fiber optic telecommunications industry, specifically suppliers of line testing equipment
Intellectual property status:
International patent application is in progress.
Type of collaboration:
The client is interested in a license or sales agreement or an investment opportunity.