Polarimetric fiber optic strain sensing based on highly birefringent fibers

Polarimetric optical fiber sensors mostly based on highly birefringent (HB) polarization-maintaining fibers have focused great interest for last decades [1]. Research activities and progress in the field of polarimetric optical fiber sensors that makes use of HB fibers have been stimulated by a significant decrease in costs of manufacturing polarization-sensitive fibers and polarization-preserving optical fiber elements as well as semiconductor light sources due to a rapid development of optical fiber technology. The paper presents latest developments in polarimetric fiber optic strain sensing based on new types of HB fibers operating at infrared, and in particular at third telecommunication window. Spectral and temperature characteristics of the HB fibers have been optimized in view of enhancing their sensing capabilities and in order to minimize disturbing environmental effects. [1] T. R. Wolinski, “Polarimetric Optical Fibers and Sensors”, Progress in Optics, ed. Emil Wolf (North Holland, Amsterdam), vol XL, (2000), pp. 1-75.