Abstract

A new scheme for coding optical signals using the polarization of light is described. The coding response is shown to be linear and invariant. As a consequence of the vectorial nature of the electromagnetic waves, this response takes a sinusoidal shape, which limits the number of channels to three. An application to fiber optics transmissions is presented; an experimental 50-m link is described. The performance and loss of the system are discussed as well as the influence of specific factors, such as the coherence length of the source and the random mode-coupling. As a conclusion, the compatibility of this new multiplexing principle with other multiplexing methods is examined.

© 1991 Optical Society of America

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