Interplay between Raman and polarization effects in next-generation passive optical networks

In this paper, we study in details some Raman-induced impairments that arise in Next-Generation Passive Optical Networks (NG-PON2) in a full coexistence scenario between GPON and TWDM-PON. The main new contribution of this paper is to take into account the polarization launches of the different signals at the transmitter, in order to find the best polarization arrangement. We found that launching the TWDM-PON wavelengths on alternately orthogonal polarization minimizes the Raman depletion effect on GPON over all possible PMD values, thus resulting in the optimal polarization launching condition, while any other polarization launch has a higher out of service probability for realistic PMD values.