I Polarimetric optical fibers and sensors

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the polarimetric optical fibers and sensors. The chapter reviews the achievements and efforts in research related to the development of a new generation of polarimetric optical fibers and sensors at both fundamental and applied levels. The chapter provides an overview of the physical origin of the perturbations on the lowest-order mode propagation in highly birefringent (HB) polarization-maintaining fibers, together with their impact on applications in optical fiber sensors and systems. When birefringence is introduced into an isotropic fiber, the circular symmetry of the ideal fiber is broken, thus producing the anisotropic refractive index distribution into the core region. The asymmetry results from either intrinsic birefringence including a geometrical deformation of the core and stresses induced during the manufacturing process or from material anisotropy due to induced (extrinsic) elastic birefringence. The deformation effects in highly birefringent fibers include symmetrical deformation effects, hydrostatic pressure, axial strain, nonsymmetric deformation effect (twist), and twist under pressure/strain. A potential application of polarimetric optical fibers and sensors is to embed them directly inside various ceramic and composite materials, and to measure strain distribution in different structures using the concept of smart skins and structures.