Polarization effects on single-mode optical fiber sensors

Abstract

In a conventional circular cross-section single-mode fiber, built-in and induced birefringences remove the degeneracy and make the fiber a two-Eigenmode system. We have constructed the first all-fiber interferometric sensor system and have performed preliminary studies on the effects of birefringence in these interferometers. Theoretical analysis and experimental data supporting this analysis are presented for the 3-dB coupler and all-fiber interferometer sensor.