Features of Functioning of Modern Communication Systems in the Presence of Thunderstorm Activity

Dynamic changes in the polarization characteristics of radiation propagating along an optical cable are studied using an electrophysical setup that generates artificial lightning under laboratory conditions. The effect of atmospheric electricity on the polarization characteristics of optical signals in the C-band transmitted via fiber-optic communication lines is studied with a time resolution of 40 ns. Changes in the polarization parameter of optical radiation used to transmit information via fiber-optic communication lines are recorded with precise time reference to different stages of atmospheric discharges near the optical cable.