Advantages of using few-mode and multimode fibers in Phase Sensitive OTDR measurement system due to the modulation instability deferment

Abstract

We discuss the possible advantages of using few-mode and multimode fibers in coherent optical time-domain reflectometry sensing systems. We show that the application of few-mode and multimode fibers decreases nonlinear effects and impedes modulation instability. In comparison to standard single-mode optical fiber, few-mode and multimode fibers may help to increase signal power at the receiver. We also show that few-mode fibers may potentially increase sensing distance.