Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coherent PMD generation are provided. A PMD generator can include at least four birefringent stages in optical series, thereby forming at least three pairs of adjacent stages. Each of the stages includes a harmonic differential group delay element and a phase-compensating element. The generator can be made colorless (i.e., made to have the same PMD at each WDM channel) and can be operated such that DGD and second order PMD can be independently generated and controlled. These PMD generators can be used in PMD compensators and PMD emulators.

Abstract: A polarization mode dispersion generator for generating polarization mode dispersion (“PMD”) spectra is provided. The generator includes a plurality of birefringent stages, each stage including a differential group delay (“DGD”) element and a phase-shifting element. The generator is capable of inducing an amount of polarization mode-mixing between at least one adjacent pair of stages. The shape of a PMD spectrum can be preserved while frequency shifting the spectrum in either direction. Alternatively, the shape of the PMD spectrum can be changed without frequency shifting.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for chromatic dispersion compensation are provided. The apparatus includes a Gires-Tournois etalon, an optical beam separator, a GTE controller, an optical distortion analyzer, and a feedback controller.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coherent polarization mode dispersion generation are provided. A generator can include at least four birefringent stages. The birefringent stages are in optical series, and each includes a differential group delay (“DGD”) element. The intermediate stages' DGD elements are harmonic. Also, these intermediate stages each include a phase-shifting element. The generator can also include a polarization mode-mixing apparatus and a variable phase-shifting apparatus. The mode-mixing apparatus is capable of inducing polarization mode-mixing between at least one pair of adjacent stages to generate DGD and second order PMD independently at at least one optical frequency. The variable phase-shifting apparatus can include a phase-shifting controller coupled to each of said phase-shifting elements. A graphical user interface for PMD emulation, a PMD compensator for reducing PMD impairment, and calibration methods are also provided.

Abstract: A seal pattern formed on a substrate of a liquid crystal device (LCD) is provided. The seal pattern at least includes a primary seal pattern that substantially surrounds the active area of the LCD and a dummy seal pattern that is formed at least partially inside the primary seal pattern. The dummy seal pattern can be formed substantially around one or more active areas of the LCD. The dummy seal pattern includes a plurality of discontinuous seal portions. Methods for making an LCD with the seal pattern according to this invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coherent PMD generation are provided. A PMD generator can include at least four birefringent stages in optical series, thereby forming at least three pairs of adjacent stages. Each of the stages includes a harmonic differential group delay element and a phase-compensating element. The generator can be made colorless (i.e., made to have the same PMD at each WDM channel) and can be operated such that DGD and second order PMD can be independently generated and controlled. These PMD generators can be used in PMD compensators and PMD emulators.

Abstract: A polarization mode dispersion generator for generating polarization mode dispersion (“PMD”) spectra is provided. The generator includes a plurality of birefringent stages, each stage including a differential group delay (“DGD”) element and a phase-shifting element. The generator is capable of inducing an amount of polarization mode-mixing between at least one adjacent pair of stages. The shape of a PMD spectrum can be preserved while frequency shifting the spectrum in either direction. Alternatively, the shape of the PMD spectrum can be changed without frequency shifting.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adaptively compensating optical signal distortion, including polarization mode dispersion, chromatic dispersion, and the like, using magneto-optic devices are provided. One optical distortion compensator according to this invention includes at least one polarization transformer that includes a magneto-optic rotator in combination with a variable delay device. The magneto-optic rotator, after transforming the state of polarization of an incident optical signal, delivers the transformed signal to the variable delay device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating polarization mode dispersion (“PMD”), especially for use in PMD emulators and compensators, are provided. The apparatus can include a lens assembly, an optical beam turning assembly, and a variable PMD generating assembly located between the lens assembly and the optical turning assembly. The variable PMD generating assembly can include a fixed DGD stage and a variable electro-optically controlled retardation stage. The method involves directing the beam through the variable PMD generating assembly at least twice by folding the beam with the turning assembly. Various phase and temperature compensation techniques are also provided.