A higher-order dispersion compensator for tuning a polarization controlled signal having a first order polarization mode dispersion component, a second order polarization mode dispersion component, and a variable chromatic dispersion component. The compensator includes a first tuning element that adjusts the first order polarization mode dispersion component of the polarization controlled signal, and a second tuning element that adjusts the second order polarization mode dispersion component and the variable chromatic dispersion component of the polarization controlled signal. The first tuning element, which includes a differential delay line, includes a polarization beam splitter coupled to receive the polarization controlled signal. The first tuning element includes a first waveguide optically coupled to receive a first polarization component and a second waveguide optically coupled to receive a second polarization component. A first tuning mechanism is provided that tunes one of the gratings.