Force sensing based on distributed polarization coupling in polarization-maintaining fiber using finite element method

Abstract

Distributed polarization coupling detection can be used for force sensing of polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF). In this paper, finite element analysis (FEA) is adopted to simulate the distributed polarization coupling force sensing of PMF. The initial thermal stress birefringence produced by the drawing process of PMF is simulated. In addition, the polarization coupling strength of PMF under transverse forces is analyzed. Also, the position of the dynamic force coupling point in a distributed white light interference (WLI) system is demodulated. The experimental results from a WLI system are in agreement with the FEA results. FEA is an effective numerical analysis method which can be used in the entire process of PMF production, force analysis, and sensing demodulation.