Linear mode coupling and polarization statistics of coherent light in twisted single-mode fibers with random inhomogeneities

Linear coupling of helical optical modes in twisted and birefringent inhomogeneous fibers is rigorously incorporated to the newly derived polarization transfer equations, and statistical polarization parameters of partially coherent light emitted by a broadband source and transmitted through a dispersive single-mode fiber with random inhomogeneities are calculated analytically in the limiting case of slow cross talk between helical modes.