State-of-polarization encoding for optical code-division multiple-access networks

In this paper we propose the use of the State of Polarization (SOP) encoding in order to realize an optical CDMA system. The SOP of the optical beam is alternately switched between two orthogonal SOPs according to a given codeword. Multiple users can use the network simultaneously each with a distinct codeword. Gold and Hadamard codes can be applied with minimal interference in the latter case. The optical beam power is constant in such case, therefore, self-phase and cross-phase effects can be eliminated.