Open AccessSimultaneous dispersion measurements of multiple fiber modes using virtual reference interferometry
Author(s) -
Michael A. Galle,
Simarjeet S. Saini,
Waleed S. Mohammed,
Pierre Sillard,
Li Qian
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.22.006391
Subject(s) - interferometry , optics , interference (communication) , physics , polarization mode dispersion , polarization (electrochemistry) , dispersion (optics) , computer science , telecommunications , channel (broadcasting) , chemistry
We present the simultaneous measurement of first and second order dispersion in short length (< 1 m) few mode fibers (polarization and transverse) using virtual reference interferometry. This technique generates results equivalent to balanced spectral interferometry, without the complexity associated with physical balancing. This is achieved by simulating a virtual reference with a group delay equal to that of the physical interferometer. The amplitude modulation that results from mixing the interferograms, generated in both the unbalanced interferometer and the virtual reference, is equivalent to the first order interference that would be produced by physical balancing. The advantages of the technique include speed, simplicity, convenience and the capability for simultaneous measurement of multiple modes. The theoretical framework is first developed and then verified experimentally.