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

We describe a polarimetric coherence multiplexed system that uses a source with a short coherence length to reduce the effect of cross talk and of phase-induced intensity noise. The system is constructed with sections of highbirefringence optical fibers, which allow the differential path lengths to be matched within micrometer accuracy. A minimum detectable phase sensitivity of 3 microrad/ radicalHz has been demonstrated.