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.

In this paper it is shown that the correct mathematical framework of combined polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent losses (combined PMD-PDL effects or impairments) in optical fibers is the irreducible spinor representation of the extended Lorentz Group. Combined PMD-PDL effects are shown to be formally identical to Lorentz Transformations acting on spin ½ zero mass particles. Since there are two different irreducible spinor representations of the restricted Lorentz Group, there must also exist two kinds of states of polarizations (SOPs) that are relevant in the description of PMD-PDL effects. The optical process that allows to convert one kind into the other is identified as optical phase conjugation. Optical phase conjugation plays the same role as the time inversion operator in the Lorentz Group representation theory. A practical and extremely important example of utility of these ideas, a technique that significantly reduces the PMD-PDL induced impairments, is presented. This technique allows to cancel the PDL part of the combined PMD-PDL impairments in a very simple and straightforward way.