Patent · US Expired

MEMS-based polarization mode dispersion compensator

US6483957B1 · kind B1 · utility

29Cited by
23References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 29, 2001
Grant dateNov 19, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 27, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04B10/2569
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A polarization mode separator separates the optical signal into a first polarized signal and a second differently polarized signal traveling along respective first and second paths. A first variable delay generator located along the first path is adapted to selectively provide a first propagation delay to the first polarized signal. The first variable delay generator includes at least two rotating micro-mirrors and one or more fixed mirrors constructed on a surface of a substrate. A controller is coupled to the first variable delay generator. The controller is adapted to monitor the polarization mode dispersion in the optical signal and to position the rotating micro-mirrors to direct the first polarized signal along one of the plurality of optical paths. A beam combiner combines the first and second signals to form an optical output signal substantially compensated for polarization mode dispersion.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.