Multiplexing systems for interferometric sensors with short imbalances

A novel method is proposed for multiplexing interferometric sensors with short path imbalances, i.e., integrated-optic, two-mode, or polarimetric fiber sensors. Here sensors are connected in parallel with time delays different from an additional common reference arm. The use of sawtooth frequency modulated source results in different beat frequency carriers for different sensors. An allocation scheme for frequency division multiplexing is presented. The optical signal power and the maximum number of sensors are estimated.