title: Simultaneous dispersion measurements of multiple fiber modes using virtual reference interferometry.
abstract: We present the simultaneous measurement of first and second order dispersion in short length (< 1 m) few mode fibers (polarization and transverse) using virtual reference interferometry. This technique generates results equivalent to balanced spectral interferometry, without the complexity associated with physical balancing. This is achieved by simulating a virtual reference with a group delay equal to that of the physical interferometer. The amplitude modulation that results from mixing the interferograms, generated in both the unbalanced interferometer and the virtual reference, is equivalent to the first order interference that would be produced by physical balancing. The advantages of the technique include speed, simplicity, convenience and the capability for simultaneous measurement of multiple modes. The theoretical framework is first developed and then verified experimentally.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Galle
authors.forename: Simarjeet S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Saini
authors.forename: Waleed S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Mohammed
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sillard
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Qian