title: Fast wavelength-parallel polarimeter for broadband optical networks.
abstract: We describe a novel wavelength-parallel polarimeter operating in the light-wave band that measures the complete state of polarization of 256 wavelengths in parallel within 20 ms (software-limited), with the potential for submillisecond operation. By use of fast switching ferroelectric liquid crystals in conjunction with an InGaAs arrayed detector, selection and wavelength-parallel detection of individual polarization components can be achieved within approximately 150 microseconds. This instrument offers unprecedented sensing capability that is relevant to the compensation of polarization-related impairments in high-speed light-wave communications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, 465 Northwestern Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2035, USA. wang7@ecn.purdue.edu
authors.forename: Shawn X
authors.initials: SX
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Weiner