Estimation of polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent loss in a cascade of optical components

A general vector approach to the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) and polarization dependent loss (PDL) calculation in a cascade of optical components with each component having both PMD and PDL is presented. By using the formalism, the PMD-PDL coupling effect is quantitatively described and its implications are discussed. In particular, it is shown that the presence of PDL in the components is a second-order effect in the PMD of the cascade. As an illustration of the formalism, a statistical estimation of PMD and PDL in a practical optical device is performed. The accuracy and the computational advantage of the vector approach are demonstrated.