Abstract

Single-fiber polarimetric sensors^1,2 have recently been demonstrated as alternatives to the more complex Mach-Zehnder interferometric sensors. These single-fiber sensors in either compact form or extended configurations rely upon the existence of a large birefringence in the liber, being either intrinsically present or externally induced. The physical parameter of interest, via the elastooptic effect, changes the fiber birefringence, leading to a rotation of the output state of polarization (SOP). With appropriate design, these sensors have sensitivities approaching those of the two-fiber sensors while being much less sensitive to environmental perturbations. Nevertheless, these sensors still suffer from environmentally induced instabilities, causing the sensor to drift out of quadrature and hence leading to reduced sensitivity and occasional fading.

© 1981 Optical Society of America