Characterization of Polarization-Maintaining Fiber Using High-Sensitivity Optical-Frequency-Domain Reflectometry

Abstract

Optical-frequency-domain reflectometry is used to measure the group-index difference and the refractive-index difference (i.e., beat length) between the fast and slow modes in polarization-maintaining optical fiber. The Rayleigh scatter normally present in the fiber is measured in reflection. This measurement, in turn, enables a distributed measurement of the fiber's birefringence that is rapid and completely nondestructive