High accuracy polarization measurements using binary polarization rotators

We report a novel system for the accurate measurement of all polarization related parameters, including polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent loss, using binary magneto-optic polarization rotators. By taking advantage of the binary nature of the rotators, we achieved unprecedented DGD, SOPMD, and PDL accuracies of 2.6 fs, 1.39ps(2), and 0.06 dB respectively; repeatabilities of 0.022 fs, 0.28 ps(2), and 0.034dB respectively; and resolutions of 1 fs, 0.005 ps(2) and 0.01dB respectively, from 1480 to 1620 nm.