Open AccessDemanding response time requirements on coherent receivers due to fast polarization rotations caused by lightning events
Author(s) -
Peter M. Krummrich,
David Ronnenberg,
Wolfgang Schairer,
Daniel Wienold,
Frank Jenau,
M. G. Herrmann
Publication year - 2016
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.24.012442
Subject(s) - polarization (electrochemistry) , optics , physics , pulse generator , polarization mode dispersion , signal processing , lightning detection , lightning (connector) , electrical engineering , digital signal processing , voltage , optical fiber , engineering , thunderstorm , power (physics) , chemistry , quantum mechanics , meteorology
Lightning events can cause fast polarization rotations and phase changes in optical transmission fibers due to strong electrical currents and magnetic fields. Whereas these are unlikely to affect legacy transmission systems with direct detection, different mechanisms have to be considered in systems with local oscillator based coherent receivers and digital signal processing. A theoretical analysis reveals that lightning events can result in polarization rotations with speeds as fast as a few hundred kRad/s. We discuss possible mechanisms how such lightning events can affect coherent receivers with digital signal processing. In experimental investigations with a high current pulse generator and transponder prototypes, we observed post FEC errors after polarization rotation events which can be expected from lightning strikes.