Abstract

There is increasing interest¹ in optical amplifier systems capable of low-error-rate intercontinental transmission without digital regeneration in the repeatered line. These new systems are expected to operate in the vicinity of 1550 nm and use dispersion-shifted fibers, which are necessary for limiting chromatic-dispersion penalties. Studies have shown that besides the need for controlling chromatic dispersion, it will be necessary to control polarization mode dispersion (PMD). Poole et al.² have demonstrated how PMD can degrade system performance.

© 1991 Optical Society of America