A polarization mode dispersion (PMD) controller device for controlling the
state of polarization of an optical light wave comprising a dispersion
compensation unit (2; 25; 40) and an adaptation control unit (6; 28; 44),
wherein the dispersion compensation unit (2; 25; 40) comprises a
multitude of compensation stages processing the optical light wave, and
wherein the adaptation control unit (6; 28; 44) controls the dispersion
compensation unit (2; 25; 40) is characterized in that at least one
feed-forward signal tap (4; 26a-26c, 73a-73c) is provided tapping the
optical light wave inserted into one of the compensation stages, that the
feed-forward signal(s) is(are) fed into a distortion analyzer unit (5;
27; 66) and that the distortion analyzer unit (5; 27; 66) provides the
adaptation control unit (6; 28; 44) with information about the incoming
optical light wave. It accelerates the adaptation speed and lowers the
costs of a high-speed PMD controller device.