Polarization mode dispersion in dispersion-shifted fibers: an exact analysis

Using an exact waveguide analysis and measured stress profiles, we show that a delicate interplay between form-induced and stress-induced contributions to polarization mode dispersion in dispersion-shifted fibers can significantly reduce intrinsic short-length polarization mode dispersions. Our observations also indicate that the ovality of fibers is not a true indicator of long-length polarization mode dispersion in production-quality cabled fibers.