Self-calibrated interferometric-intensity-based optical fibersensors

This paper presents self-calibrated interferometric-intensity-based optical fiber sensors, which combine for the first time fiber interferometry and intensity-based devices into a single sensor system. The sensor involves an extrinsic Fabry-Perot (FP) interferometric cavity. The broadband light returned from the FP cavity is split into two channels in such a way that one channel has a coherence length much longer than the doubled air-gap separation in the sensor so the FP generates effective interference, while the coherence length in the other channel is so short that no effective interference takes place. As a result, the optical signal in the channel with a long coherence length yields information about the FP cavity length while the signal in the other channel is proportional only to the source power, fiber attenuation, and other optical loss factors in the optical path. To eliminate fringe direction ambiguity and relative measurement limitations associated with interferometric sensors, the sensor is designed such that it is operated over the linear range between a valley and a peak of one interference fringe in the first channel. Moreover, the ratiometric signal-processing method is applied for the signals in the two channels to obtain self-calibrating measurement to compensate for all unwanted factors, including source power variations and fiber bending losses. Various pressure and temperature sensors based on the self-calibrated interferometric/intensity-based scheme are designed, fabricated, and tested. Experimental results show that a resolution as high as 0.02% of full scale can be obtained for both the pressure and temperature measurements     

Choosing relative optical path delays in series-topology interferometric sensor arrays

We consider the problem of selecting relative optical path delays for a chain of Mach-Zehnder interferometric sensors which are to be multiplexed using a frequency modulated source (FMCW multiplexing) or a short coherence-length source (coherence multiplexing). Possible sets of delays which do not lead to crosstalk are described for two different series topologies. It is shown that the rapid growth of required delay with sensor number can be ameliorated if some cross-talk is allowed.     

Universal fiber-optic point sensor system for quasi-static absolutemeasurements of multiparameters exploiting low coherence interrogation

A universal fiber-optic high-resolution point sensor system, based upon signal recovery by dual-wavelength low coherence interferometry, has been developed and demonstrated for quasistatic absolute measurements of multiparameters. This system is capable of multiplexing up to 32 fiber-optic point sensors which can be fiber optic interferometers or fiber Bragg gratings or any combination of the two. The topology of this system is based on a spatially multiplexed scheme with low coherence signal recovery that we have reported previously. A range of multiparameter point sensors, including a medium pressure sensor, a high pressure sensor, a miniature temperature sensor, a displacement sensor, and a fiber Bragg grating strain sensor with drift-compensation, have been developed and incorporated into this network and demonstrated A range to resolution of better than 10⁴ :1 and 2×10³:1 has been achieved for the interferometric sensors and the Bragg grating strain sensor, respectively. The interchangeability of the sensors has also been demonstrated, allowing the sensors to be replaced in the event of damage. Due to the universality of the signal interrogation, the instrument can be compatible with any interferometric point sensor which has a similar optical path difference with the transmitting interferometer or any fiber grating sensor whose normal wavelength is within the spectral range of the light source. In addition, as the total sensor number which can be multiplexed is quite large, the average cost for each sensor is reduced considerably. Therefore, this system allows optical fiber sensors to compete with conventional sensors with the additional benefits of fiber-optic sensors     

Instantaneous fringe-order identification using dual broadband sources with widely spaced wavelengths

A new fringe-order identification technique for interferometric optical fibre sensors is described using dual broadband optical sources coupled with white-light interferometry. Compared with previous work, this technique enables the central (zero-order) fringe to be directly identified through its dominant amplitude, and does not require digitisation and its associated computing power. Therefore, it is suitable for coherence multiplexed quasidistributed sensors and for monitoring quickly varying measurands.<>     

Frequency domain detection of coherence multiplexed sensor signalsby using an optical loop with a frequency shifter

We describe a frequency domain detection scheme of coherence multiplexed sensor signals by using an optical loop with a frequency shifter. The optical path differences of the sensors are adjusted to integer-multiple of the loop length of the optical loop, and then the the sensor signals are multiplexed in the frequency domain, appearing at the integer-multiple of the working frequency of the frequency shifter. In the experiment, four Michelson-type sensors are successfully multiplexed with the sensitivities of about 2 mrad/√Hz. The sensitivities are also theoretically calculated which are in good agreement with the experimental results. The optimum design of the optical loop is also discussed     

Large-scale multiplexing of interferometric fiber-optic sensorsusing TDM and DWDM

This paper describes multiplexing schemes for interferometric fiber sensors based on time-division multiplexed and dense wavelength-division multiplexing using optical add/drop multiplexers. The results of an experimental arrangement, which is based on one of the architectures, is also presented. Topics include a discussion of the noise sources in the system, dynamic range, and a characterization of the distributed feedback fiber laser source noise. We show the crosstalk levels in the experimental arrangement to be between -47 and -76 dB depending on the mechanism involved. The multiplexing schemes demonstrate the potential to address at least 192 interferometric sensors through two fibers based on a system with six wavelengths with a phase resolution less than 20 μrad/√Hz. For application to sonar arrays, our analysis has shown that hydrophones multiplexed in this type of architecture would achieve ambient acoustic noise-limited pressure resolution with an in-water dynamic range up to 135 dB at frequencies up to 10 kHz. In general, these architectures would find application in systems requiring very large numbers of sensors with a minimum of telemetry cabling required     

Multiplexed optical fiber sensors using a single Fabry-Perotresonator for phase modulation

This paper describes the use of different optical return paths in a single Fabry-Perot phase modulator to perform coherence division multiplexing, and a combination of coherence and frequency division multiplexing of Fabry-Perot interferometric optical fiber sensors. A path-matched differential interferometry (PMDI) using low finesse Fabry-Perot sensors, one moderate finesse Fabry-Perot read-out resonator, and a broadband light source consisting of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) from an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is used to illustrate the idea. The first, second and third order of multiple paths in a single Fabry-Perot read-out resonator are used to path-match three Fabry-Perot sensors. These three orders of path-matches provide a single, double and triple depth of modulation (phase-change) when the read-out is used as an optical phase modulator, and therefore provide a single, double and triple carrier frequency when serrodyne demodulation is used. The use of a single moderate finesse read-out Fabry-Perot resonator to simultaneously path-match coherence multiplexed sensors reduces the complexity of the optical system. Experiments and modeling are used to show the existence of the first, second, and third order of interference path-match conditions, and to determine the read-out configuration that enhances the visibility of the higher order path-match conditions. Using the multiple return paths in a single PZT-based Fabry-Perot read-out interferometer and serrodyne demodulation, several multiplexing schemes are investigated, and their relative merits discussed     

FMCW反射计检测距离影响因素分析

频率调制连续波（FMCW）反射计以其高动态范围和窄的空间分辨率优势,在光网络检测、集成光路诊断和光纤传感等领域有着广泛的应用前景。在介绍FMCW反射计基本原理的基础上,分析了光源扫描重复频率、光源功率与FMCW反射计检测距离之间的关系,并探讨了光源相干长度和相位噪声对检测距离的影响。理论分析表明,当待测光纤的长度接近光源的相干长度时,中频信号和相位噪声之间的信噪比会急剧下降,所以FMCW反射计要使用高相干性的光源和一定的相位噪声补偿方法才能应用于长距离的光纤检测。     

Crosstalk Analysis of a Fiber Laser Sensor Array System Based on Digital Phase-Generated Carrier Scheme

A detailed study on analyzing the crosstalk in a wavelength division multiplexed fiber laser sensor array system based on a digital phase generated carrier interferometric interrogation scheme is reported. The crosstalk effects induced by the limited optical channel isolation of a dense wavelength division demultiplexer (DWDM) are presented, and the necessary channel isolation to keep the crosstalk negligible to the output signal was calculated via Bessel function expansion and demonstrated by a two serial fiber laser sensors system. Finally, a three-element fiber laser sensor array system with a 50-dB channel-isolation DWDM was built up. Experimental results demonstrated that there was no measurable crosstalk between the output channels.     

Novel photonic recursive signal processor with reduced phase-induced intensity noise

A new technique to reduce the dominant phase-induced intensity noise (PIIN) in active high-Q recursive photonic signal processors is presented. This is based on using cross-gain-modulation effects in a semiconductor optical amplifier in the recursive loop of the processor. Two different laser sources are used, and no recombination of the optical power from the same laser source occurs in the optical domain, hence, PIIN generation is suppressed. The processor structure also features the advantage that it does not require an incoherent light source. Hence, the free spectral range of the processor is not limited by the coherence of the laser source, as in existing incoherent approaches. Experimental results for the new processor demonstrate a more-than-30-dB reduction in PIIN level for a high-Q bandpass filter, compared to the conventional approach for the same filtering parameters.     

Nearly Shot-Noise-Limited Performance of Dual-Channel Linear Optical Sampling for Ultrafast DPSK Signals

This paper describes a newly developed dual-channel linear optical sampling technique for observing ultrafast optical differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) signals. As the proposed measurement scheme offsets two parallel interferometers by a relative delay corresponding to 1-symbol length of the DPSK signal, the measured phase distribution reflects the signal quality which is determined by the phase difference between adjacent symbols. This technique, based on interferometric optical gating by local short-pulses, also offers ultrafast measurement at symbol rates of greater than 100 Gsymbol/s. Moreover, its detection sensitivity can reach the shot noise limit. The waveform degradation caused by the coherence of the light source and the pattern effect of the phase modulator is successfully observed in continuous waves and 10-Gsymbol/s nonreturn-to-zero DPSK signals, and the constellation measurement is demonstrated for a 160-Gsymbol/s return-to-zero DPSK signal. Measurement system noise is also discussed for characterizing the detection sensitivity, and the nearly shot-noise-limited performance is experimentally verified.      

Optical feedback effects on the spectral linewidth of semiconductorlaser sensors using self-mixing interference

The spectral characteristics of a semiconductor laser are significantly affected by optical feedback in the active cavity of the diode. In this paper, the influence of weak optical feedback on the linewidth is examined and a new relationship proposed. Feedback-induced changes in the power spectral density are also determined by a theoretical analytical model, in good agreements with experiments. These results are then discussed for sensing applications using self-mixing interference, as the maximum range of distance and displacement sensors can be limited by half the coherence length of the laser diode modified by the optical feedback     

Analysis of beat noise in coherent and incoherent time-spreading OCDMA

The effect of beat noise and other types of additive noise in time-spreading optical-code-division multiple-access (TS-OCDMA) networks is analyzed in this paper. By defining the coherent ratio kt, the ratio of the chip duration to the coherence time of the light source, TS-OCDMA systems are classified into incoherent, partially coherent, and coherent systems. The noise distributions and the bit-error rates are derived, and system performance is discussed for different cases. The performance of coherent systems is limited by the beat noise. With increasing kt, the effect of beat noise decreases in incoherent systems, and they eventually become free of beat noise. Possible solutions to the beat noise problem in coherent and partially coherent systems are also proposed and discussed.     

干涉式光纤陀螺的偏振噪声分析

针对采用LiNbO3集成光器件的干涉式光纤陀螺结构特点,利用琼斯矩阵和相干矩阵建立了此类光纤陀螺光路传输系统数学模型。在此基础上进行了光路偏振噪声的理论分析,通过计算得出最大偏振误差表达式,讨论了光路器件的性能对陀螺偏振噪声的影响,得出消光比是影响结果的关键因子,并阐述了主要有效措施。     

Theoretical Evaluation of Several Possible Along-Track InSAR Modes of TerraSAR-X for Ocean Current Measurements

The German satellite TerraSAR-X, scheduled for launch in late 2006, will permit high-resolution ocean current measurements by along-track interferometric SAR (along-track InSAR) in various experimental modes of operation, using different sections of its X-band SAR antenna array with a total length of 4.8 m as individual receive antennas. Depending on antenna and receive-chain settings, effective InSAR time lags of about 0.17 to 0.29 ms can be realized in combination with different noise levels, single-look resolutions, swath widths, and incidence angles. We give an overview of the characteristics of the possible InSAR modes and evaluate their suitability for current measurements on the basis of simulated data products. Our results indicate that the quality of interferometric stripmap data from TerraSAR-X will be clearly superior to the quality of the existing data acquired over the Dutch coast during the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission; accurate current retrievals can be expected at effective spatial resolutions on the order of 500 m. However, in modes using a multiplexed single receive chain, the effective swath width of stripmap data will be limited to only 15 km, while dual receive-chain operation offers a swath width of 30 km for stripmap data and promises a reasonable data quality even for ScanSAR data with a maximum swath width of 100 km. Finally, we consider fundamental relations between along-track baseline, instrument noise, and resulting InSAR phase noise to discuss the potential for current measuring performance improvements of TerraSAR-X follow-on satellites     

Phase-induced intensity noise in digital incoherent all-optical tapped-delay line systems

In this paper, the authors analyze conditions under which they can be certain on the intensity addition of a given device, such as tapped-delay lines, used in digital incoherent all-optical communication systems. A general expression for phase-induced intensity noise that is applicable to all types of semiconductor lasers is derived by defining an optical self-SNR expression that can be used to analyze and measure phase-induced intensity noise. The result shows that in order to have a minimal phase-induced intensity noise in most digital optical incoherent systems, a large optical self-SNR, e.g., 20 dB or more, is needed. This in turn is shown to place a limit on the maximum rate of processing in a typical incoherent optical system even neglecting the bandwidth limitation of the photodetector. Furthermore, it is shown that the maximum rate of processing depends on the laser autocorrelation function and laser coherence time.     

Ultimate performance of optical DSB signal-based millimeter-wavefiber-radio system: effect of laser phase noise

It is theoretically shown that the phase noise of laser light source can be automatically eliminated by compensating the differential group delay due to the fiber dispersion between the two sidebands of the optical DSB signal. The bit error rate (BER) measurement of 60 GHz millimeter (mm)-wave subcarrier multiplexed optical double-sideband (DSB) signal transport in dispersion-compensated optical fiber link using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) mill show that the effect of the laser phase noise on the BER is as small as a few % relative to the other additive noise effect, thus realizing almost the ultimate performance     

Coherence Cloning Using Semiconductor Laser Optical Phase-Lock Loops

We demonstrate the concept of coherence cloning where the coherence properties of a high-quality spectrally stabilized fiber laser are transferred to a commercially available high-power DFB semiconductor laser (SCL) using an optical phase-lock loop. The lineshapes and frequency noise spectra of the fiber laser and the free-running and phase-locked SCL are measured and compared. The bandwidth of coherence cloning is limited by physical factors such as the laser frequency modulation response and the loop propagation delay. The effect of this limited bandwidth on the laser field and on self-heterodyne interferometric measurements are analyzed.      

High-sensitivity detection of narrowband light in a more intense broadband background using coherence interferogram phase

This paper describes an optical interferometric detection technique, known as the interferogram phase step shift, which detects narrowband, coherent, and partially coherent light in more intense broadband incoherent background light using changes in the phase gradient with the optical path difference of the coherence interferogram to distinguish the bandwidth or coherence of the signal from that of the background. The detection sensitivity is assessed experimentally by measuring the smallest signal-to-background ratio or signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR), which causes a detectable change in the self-coherence interferogram phase. This minimum detectable SCR (MDSCR) is measured for the multimode He-Ne laser, resonant-cavity light-emitting diode (LED), narrowband-filtered white light, and LED signal sources in a more intense tungsten-halogen-lamp white-light background. The highest MDSCRs to date, to the authors' knowledge, are -46.42 dB for coherent light and -31.96 dB for partially coherent light, which exceed those of existing automatic single-domain techniques by 18.97 and 4.51 dB with system input dynamic ranges of 19.24 and 11.39 dB, respectively. The sensitivity dependence on the signal-to-system bandwidth ratio and on the relative offset of their central wavelengths is also assessed, and optimum values are identified.     

一种利用定向耦合调制器的循环干涉型光学陀螺改进方案

循环干涉型光学陀螺的损耗随着循环次数的增加而增大，并且耦合器对于光强的分配起着至关重要的作用，文中提出了一种利用定向耦合调制器代替普通耦合器的改进方案，利用定向耦合器可以通过调整工作电压获得交叉态与直通态的特性，改变光脉冲信号进入光路时及光循环经过耦合器时的耦合态，以此来增大信号光耦合进光路的光强，并减少因循环所导致的额外损耗。仿真表明，文中提出的方法可以明显增大检测到的光强，提高光信号的信噪比，从而提高检测精度。