The Agilent 8509C lightwave polarization analyzer with L-Band capability provides a wide operating range for measuring both optical signals and components. Automatic procedures simplify PMD, PDL and polarization-maintenance fiber launch alignment. For 10 to 40 Gb/s testing, the 8509C measures polarization mode dispersion down to 0.01 ps. Fast and accurate measurements of the polarization properties of lightwave signals and material helps to develop higher performance lightwave components and systems, and cost effective manufacturing processes.