Measurements of polarization mode couplings along polarization-maintaining single-mode optical fibers

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Abstract
A new technique for measuring the polarization mode coupling along a polarization-maintaining optical fiber is demonstrated. Additional analyses of optical time-domain reflectometry signals are used. Using a 1.34-μm Nd3+:YAG laser as a light source and an acousto-optical light switch to reduce the Fresnel reflection at the input end of the fiber, we have examined characteristics of the polarization mode couplings for four fibers with different extinction ratios. The extinction ratios evaluated by the present method are in good agreement with those obtained by a conventional technique within ±0.5 dB.