Efficient simulation of the swept-waveform polarization dynamics in fiber spools and Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) lasers

We present a theoretical model and its efficient numerical implementation for the simulation of wavelength-swept waveform propagation in fiber systems such as Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) lasers, fully accounting for the polarization dynamics in fiber spools and further polarization dependent optical components in the setup. This approach enables us to perform long-time simulations of the FDML laser dynamics over more than 100000 cavity roundtrips, as required for some FDML configurations to ensure convergence to the steady state operating regime. The model is validated against experimental results for single propagation through a fiber spool and for stationary FDML operation. The polarization dynamics due to the fiber spool, inducing polarization-mode dispersion, bending birefringence as well as cross-phase modulation, and other optical components such as the Faraday-rotating mirror used for polarization compensation is thoroughly investigated.