Dynamic of the degree of polarization in a depolarizing channel: Theory and experimental results

Abstract

Aiming to observe the dynamic of the degree of polarization during propagation in a noisy channel, we assume a depolarizing channel model for optical fiber. A simulation of the model is performed, showing the decrease of the degree of polarization during channel propagation. Then we implement an experimental set up in order to measure the degree of polarization. The practical results are presented and they can be used to determine the parameter that characterizes the depolarizing channel model.