Abstract: A new dispersion managed soliton transmission system where the D map period is the same as the amplifier period and the pulse breathing the in the +D sections of the D maps is approximately symmetrical. Pulse breathing symmetry by one or both of two techniques. In one technique a guiding filter is placed at the beginning of the D map period such that the guiding filter reduces the bandwidth of soliton pulses passing through it by a minimum amount. Consequently, pulse breathing symmetry is restored. The path average pulse energy vs. D behavior of solitons propagating through the D map is changed such that (1) solitons of modest bandwidths have adequate energy at or near D=to provide for error-free transmission over transoceanic distances at or near D=0, and (2) such that the path average pulse energy is nearly independent of D, at or near D=0 for solitons of various pulse widths. The transmission system having this D map is much more tolerant of variations in D and pulse width than the prior art.

Abstract: In one method, two light signals, of the same optical frequency, but having orthogonal states of polarization, are transmitted through an optical device and the mean signal delay of each of the light signals is measured. Calculations, based upon disclosed relationships, provide the polarization-independent delay (&tgr;0) through the optical device based upon the mean signal delays (&tgr;g1 and &tgr;g(−1)) of each of the light signals. By comparing &tgr;0 at adjacent wavelengths, the chromatic dispersion of the optical device can be accurately measured even in the presence of PMD. In a second, similar method, four light signals of non-degenerate polarizations states that span Stokes space are utilized. In a modification of the above-described methods based on the measurement of pulse delays, the methods are adapted to the measurement of phase delays of sinusoidally modulated signals.

Abstract: In one method, two light signals, of the same optical frequency, but having orthogonal states of polarization, are transmitted through an optical device and the mean signal delay of each of the light signals is measured. Calculations, based upon disclosed relationships, provide the polarization-independent delay (&tgr;0) through the optical device based upon the mean signal delays (&tgr;g1 and &tgr;g(−1)) of each of the light signals. By comparing &tgr;0 at adjacent wavelengths, the chromatic dispersion of the optical device can be accurately measured even in the presence of PMD. In a second, similar method, four light signals of non-degenerate polarizations states that span Stokes space are utilized. In a modification of the above-described methods based on the measurement of pulse delays, the methods are adapted to the measurement of phase delays of sinusoidally modulated signals.

Abstract: Four different light signals, all of the same optical frequency, but, having different states of polarization, are transmitted through an optical device and the mean signal delay of each of the light signals is measured. Calculations, based upon the relationship, &tgr;g=&tgr;0−½ {right arrow over (&OHgr;)}·{overscore (s)}, describing the polarization dependence of &tgr;g (a measured mean signal delay) through the device as a function of &tgr;0 (a polarization independent delay component of the device), {right arrow over (&OHgr;)} (the PMD vector at the device input) and {overscore (s)} (the input Stokes vector of the light signal), yield the PMD of the device. Also, by comparing data taken at adjacent wavelengths, the chromatic dispersion of the optical device can be accurately measured even in the presence of PMD.