On the correct mathematical description of polarization dependent impairments in Optical Communications

 In this paper it is shown that the mathematical framework that correctly describes the combined effects of polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent losses is the irreducible spinor representation of the extended Lorentz Group. 

There are two kinds of states of polarizations that are relevant for the description of PMD-PDL effects. The optical process that allows to convert one kind into the other is identified as optical phase conjugation. The utility of the proposed mathematical framework is proven proposing a simple technique (based on optical phase conjugation) that cancels the PDL part of the impairments at the receiving end of the optical system.