Kilometric optical fiber interferometer

Abstract

We report on a preliminary experimental study of an interferometer built with two 500 meters long arms made of polarization maintaining optical fibers. The control of the field polarization state along the single-mode fiber arms enables to measure fringe contrast up to 93% with a laser source emitting a 1290nm carrier wavelength. Tests achieved with broadband spectrum exhibit dispersion differential effect resulting from fiber inhomogeneities. Partial compensation of this effect is achieved introducing additional fiber pieces on one arm.