Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) occurs when light traveling through a single-mode optical fiber splits into two orthogonal polarization components that propagate at slightly different velocities.

This phenomenon is caused by random imperfections, asymmetries, and external stresses in the fiber, such as core ellipticity, bending, or temperature fluctuations.

In an ideal fiber, both polarization modes would travel at the same speed. However, real-world fibers exhibit birefringence, causing a differential group delay (DGD) between the modes.

This delay leads to pulse spreading, which degrades signal integrity—especially in high-speed networks (10 Gbps and above) and long-haul transmissions.

PMD is statistical and time-varying, making it difficult to predict or fully compensate. It becomes a critical factor in system design for 40 Gbps, 100 Gbps, and higher-speed optical networks.

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