Abstract: Polarization mode dispersion (PMD) induced system penalty ? is determined from optical characteristics of an optical wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signal that is carried on a network. The method involves tapping the optical WDM signal, separating an optical channel from the tapped optical WDM signal, performing a frequency-resolved state of polarization (SOP) measurement on the channel, and computing the PMD-induced system penalty as ?=AL2+BL4, in which A and B are predetermined parameters and L is an SOP string length based on the SOP measurement.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting intrusions on a fiber optic network. The method and system monitors polarization variations of light being transmitted in the fiber optic network. It then determines intrusions in the fiber optic network based on the polarization variations. The polarization variations are then compared to a database of known activity which would cause polarization variations to determine unknown intrusions. An intrusion alert is initiated when the determined intrusion does not correspond to any known activity. The known activity is contained in an automated database for automatically comparing to the polarization variations. The intrusions may be cross-correlated on two partially adjacent fiber optic cables to determine the location of the intrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the accuracy of measurement of mean differential group delay (DGD) from the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in optical fiber. The method includes a systematic correction to mean-square DGD measured with any conventional mean to minimize systematic error caused by finite source bandwidth. The method further includes a systematic correction to the measurement of mean DGD and mean square DGD from statistics of the second-order PMD (SOPMD) obtained with frequency domain PMD-measuring apparatus. The probability density function (PDF) of either the vector or scalar SOPMD is applied, depending on which quantity is measured. The systematic correction is made to minimize the systematic error in estimating mean DGD, caused by finite source bandwidth, to achieve a two-fold reduction of the measurement variance equivalent to doubling the source bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the accuracy of measurement of mean differential group delay (DGD) from the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in optical fiber. The method includes a systematic correction to mean-square DGD measured with any conventional mean to minimize systematic error caused by finite source bandwidth. The method further includes a systematic correction to the measurement of mean DGD and mean square DGD from statistics of the second-order PMD (SOPMD) obtained with frequency domain PMD-measuring apparatus. The probability density function (PDF) of either the vector or scalar SOPMD is applied, depending on which quantity is measured. The systematic correction is made to minimize the systematic error in estimating mean DGD, caused by finite source bandwidth, to achieve a two-fold reduction of the measurement variance equivalent to doubling the source bandwidth.

Abstract: Polarization mode dispersion (PMD) induced system penalty ? is determined from optical characteristics of an optical wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signal that is carried on a network. The method involves tapping the optical WDM signal, separating an optical channel from the tapped optical WDM signal, performing a frequency-resolved state of polarization (SOP) measurement on the channel, and computing the PMD-induced system penalty as ?=AL2+BL4, in which A and B are predetermined parameters and L is an SOP string length based on the SOP measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a set of frequency-resolved states of polarization (SOP) of an optical signal includes a local oscillator (LO), a polarization scrambler, a coupler for mixing the polarization-scrambled signal with the optical signal to produce a heterodyned signal with a radio frequency (RF) component, and an analyzer for passing a fixed polarization component and resolving the polarization and frequency from the RF component. The apparatus is used for measuring, monitoring or compensating the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in a working channel of an optical telecommunication system. A method for measuring frequency-resolved SOP of an optical signal includes tuning and polarization-scrambling a local oscillator (LO), mixing the scrambled LO with the optical signal, and resolving the RF signal in frequency and polarization. The method is applied to measure and monitor PMD in a working optical channel, and to dynamically compensate for the PMD.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a set of frequency-resolved states of polarization (SOP) of an optical signal includes a local oscillator (LO), a polarization scrambler, a coupler for mixing the polarization-scrambled signal with the optical signal to produce a heterodyned signal with a radio frequency (RF) component, and an analyzer for passing a fixed polarization component and resolving the polarization and frequency from the RF component. The apparatus is used for measuring, monitoring or compensating the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in a working channel of an optical telecommunication system. A method for measuring frequency-resolved SOP of an optical signal includes tuning and polarization-scrambling a local oscillator (LO), mixing the scrambled LO with the optical signal, and resolving the RF signal in frequency and polarization. The method is applied to measure and monitor PMD in a working optical channel, and to dynamically compensate for the PMD.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the accuracy of measurement of mean differential group delay (DGD) from the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in optical fiber. The method includes a systematic correction to mean-square DGD measured with any conventional mean to minimize systematic error caused by finite source bandwidth. The method further includes a systematic correction to the measurement of mean DGD and mean square DGD from statistics of the second-order PMD (SOPMD) obtained with frequency domain PMD-measuring apparatus. The probability density function (PDF) of either the vector or scalar SOPMD is applied, depending on which quantity is measured. The systematic correction is made to minimize the systematic error in estimating mean DGD, caused by finite source bandwidth, to achieve a two-fold reduction of the measurement variance equivalent to doubling the source bandwidth.

Abstract: A method of locating the position of a selected neural centre in the central nervous system of an animal is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of (a) stimulating neurons at a first central nervous system position; (b) measuring the field potential evoked at a second central nervous system position; and (c) comparing the evoked field potential against a known evoked field potential from said neural centre.