Agilent Technologies 86038A User Manual page 297

Dispersion Terminology Glossary
Modulation Frequency
The frequency of the sinusoidal RF signal used to modulate the intensity of
the test signal in the 86038A ODA. See also "Resolution" .
Narrowband Device
A particular type of frequency selective device in which a relatively narrow
range of wavelengths are transmitted or reflected. See also "Frequency
Selective Device" .
Orthogonally
Two same frequency, monochromatic beams are orthogonally polarized
when they can be superimposed without interference effects. Orthogonal
states are located diametrically opposite one another on the Poincare
sphere.
Polarization Dependant Gain (PDG)
A characteristic of EDFA's in which the gain experienced by the signal is
slightly different from the gain experienced by the noise in the orthogonal
polarization state.
Polarization Dependant Loss (PDL)
The variation in loss over all polarization states. Usually expressed in dB.
Polarization Hole Burning (PHB)
One of the processes underlying polarization dependent gain (PDG). A
slight polarization dependence of the de-excitation of erbium ions allows
slightly more noise to be produced in the polarization state orthogonal to
the signal.
Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)
In digital lightwave technology, pulse broadening caused by the variation
of group delay with input polarization state. See also "PMD Delay" .
PMD Coefficient
Is the mean DGD divided by the square root of the system length in
kilometers.
PMD Compensator (PMDC)
Usually an active system situated before the optical receiver.
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Agilent 86038A Optical Dispersion Analyzer, Third Edition