Multiplexed polarization OTDR system with high DOP and ability of multi-event detection.

Abstract

A novel polarization optical time domain reflectometry (POTDR) with high degree of polarization is proposed for multi-event detection. By employing multiple 2×2 optical fiber couplers and fiber mirrors, an arbitrary number and customized length of sensing fiber can be multiplexed into the system without modification of the other components, e.g., the light source, photodetector, signal processing device, etc. More importantly, the signal-to-noise ratio of this system is significantly improved, and the temporal depolarization effect can be almost completely suppressed. Additionally, the system response time is considerably reduced by dispensing with data averaging, so that intrusion events such as touching and moving fiber can be detected instantaneously and precisely located. Experiments have been conducted that proved the capability of multi-event simultaneous detection and vibration frequency measurement. This system promises application potential in multi-zone perimeter security and physical field measurement.