Simulation of polarisation mode dispersion and its effects in long-haul optically amplified lightwave systems

The Principal State model is used to simulate polarisation mode-dispersion (PMD) in optical fibres using a Jones matrix representation of the fibre. Monte-Carlo techniques are used to simulate random polarisation-mode coupling. Wavelength variations of PMD and the development of the PMD probability density functions (PDF) towards a Maxwellian distribution as observed in experimental PMD measurements, are demonstrated. Another technique, again based on Monte-Carlo simulations, allows the PMD-induced penalty associated with intersymbol interference to be estimated by solution of an optical-diffusion relation