Because of the polarization dependencies of optical fiber transmission equipment, the polarization state of lightwaves inherently varies at the optical receiver input. Therefore the receiver output, especially the beat component, is very dependent on the polarization state. We derive a simple relation showing that the beat power of the lightwaves is proportional to the inner product of their Stokes vectors. Using this relation, we can systematically calculate the beat power. This calculation method can be applied to lightwaves of arbitrary polarization, such as a polarization-scrambled signal or partially polarized amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in long-haul IM/DD systems, as well as to the signal and local oscillator lightwaves of coherent systems.

We investigate a method to suppress the polarization-dependent loss (PDL) of long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs). We study the origins of the PDL and propose an azimuthally isotropic UV exposure to suppress the UV-induced birefringence and to realize low-PDL LPFGs. By using this technique and a low birefringent fiber together, the PDL of LPFGs can be reduced to a sufficiently low level required in high performance communication systems. Moreover, the validity of our theoretical modeling is confirmed by the experimental results.

We have developed a multiple quantum well (MQW) electroabsorption (EA) modulator for wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) switching systems. The fabricated MQW EA gate has low polarization and wavelength-dependent loss and high extinction ratio within the wavelength range of 1545 to 1560 nm. And by using this gate ultra-high-speed switching is achieved for WDM signals. Moreover, we optimize the EA gate for the full gain-band of an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA)(1535 to 1560 nm). This EA gate provides low polarization-dependent loss, higher extinction ratio, and high saturation input power in the wider wavelength range. These MQW EA gates will play an important role in future WDM switching systems.