Comparison of soliton robustness with respect to polarization-mode dispersion with first-order polarization-mode dispersion compensated linear systems

Soliton robustness to polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) is compared, both analytically and numerically, with that of linear pulses that use first-order PMD compensation. It is found that soliton robustness to PMD is comparable with first-order PMD compensation and in some cases is even better. The effects of soliton control methods on soliton robustness to PMD were also investigated, and it was found that soliton control methods can significantly improve the soliton's robustness to PMD, particularly for long-distance systems.