Autocorrelation function of the polarization-mode dispersion vector.

We derive, for what is believed to be the first time, the autocorrelation function (ACF) of the polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) vector, which gives information on the bandwidths of the principal states of polarization. We compare the ACF with measured data and find good agreement. Finally, we apply the derived ACF to calculate the average pulse broadening that is due to PMD.