Brillouin amplification and processing of the Rayleigh scattered signal

Brillouin amplification of Rayleigh scattering is demonstrated using two different configurations. In the first technique, the Rayleigh scattering and amplification occurs simultaneously in the same fiber. In the second technique, the amplification takes place in a second fiber. The differences between the two techniques are delineated. Using the second technique, we demonstrate single-sideband off-resonant Brillouin amplification of the Rayleigh signal. This technique is shown to enhance the SNR of a signal that is due to vibration-induced strain on the fiber.