Analysis and elimination of bias error in a fiber-optic current sensor

Bias error, along with scale factor, is a key factor that affects the measurement accuracy of the fiber-optic current sensor. Because of polarization crosstalk, the coherence of parasitic interference signals could be rebuilt and form an output independent of the current to be measured, i.e., the bias error. The bias error is a variable of the birefringence optical path difference. Hence, when the temperature changes, the bias error shows a quasi-periodical tendency whose envelope curve reflects the coherence function of light source. By identifying the key factors of bias error and setting the propagation directions of a super-luminescent diode, polarization-maintaining coupler and polarizer to fast axis, it is possible to eliminate the coherence of parasitic interference signals. Experiments show that the maximum bias error decreases by one order of magnitude at temperatures between -40°C to 60°C.