Mathematical models of higher-order polarization mode dispersion for a silica anisotropic optical waveguide

The comparative analysis of Jones-matrices-based mathematical models of higher-order polarization mode dispersion is presented. It is shown that the limited exponential model and the Taylor-series-based model do not give a good approximation of higher-order polarization mode dispersion due to the infinite ratio of the dispersion vector module to the frequency. The real-fiber polarization mode dispersion can be described more accurately using an analytical model that describes the dispersion vector as the closed-curve rotation in the Stokes space and a model in which the frequency-dependent and independent matrix elements are treated independently. In addition, an analytical expression of pulse broadening, often chosen as a quality parameter for communication systems, can be obtained with a model of the dispersion rotation in the Stokes space. The shortcoming of all the models analyzed is that they give a purely mathematical approximate description without regard for the physics of the process.