Polarimetric coherence multiplexing using high-birefringence optical-fiber sensors and short coherence sources

Area of Science:

• Optical Physics
• Photonics
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Polarimetric techniques are crucial for advanced optical sensing.
• Cross talk and phase-induced intensity noise are significant challenges in coherence multiplexed systems.
• High-birefringence optical fibers offer precise path length control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a polarimetric coherence multiplexed system with reduced cross talk and noise.
• To improve phase sensitivity in optical measurement systems.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of short coherence length sources and specialized fiber optics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a light source with a short coherence length.
• Employed sections of high-birefringence optical fibers for precise path length matching (micrometer accuracy).
• Implemented a polarimetric coherence multiplexing scheme.

Main Results:

• Successfully reduced the effects of cross talk and phase-induced intensity noise.
• Achieved a minimum detectable phase sensitivity of 3 microrad/radicalHz.
• Demonstrated accurate differential path length matching using the specialized fiber sections.

Conclusions:

• The developed system offers enhanced performance for optical sensing applications.
• Short coherence length sources are effective in mitigating noise and cross talk in multiplexed systems.
• High-birefringence fibers enable high-precision path length control, crucial for sensitive measurements.