Multipoint sensing with a low-coherence source using single-arm frequency-shifted interferometry

Journal Article · Tue Jul 12 04:00:00 UTC 2016 · Applied Optics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.55.005526 · OSTI ID:1408610

Zhang, Yiwei ^[1]; Ye, Fei ^[1]; Qi, Bing  ^[1]; Qian, Li ^[1]

---

1. Univ. of Toronto, ON (Canada). Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering

We demonstrate that multiple-site sensing along an optical fiber can be done with incoherent continuous-wave light. Here, using a broadband low-coherence noise source, a slow detector, and an optical modulator, we construct a single-arm frequency-shifted interferometer (SA-FSI) capable of simultaneously sensing multiple weak-reflection sites distributed either in parallel or in series along fiber links. By scanning the driving frequency of an electro-optic amplitude modulator in the range of 2.7–3.2 GHz at steps of 41.7 KHz, we demonstrate a spatial resolution of 0.3 m and a measurement range of over 1 km.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1408610
• Journal Information: Applied Optics, Journal Name: Applied Optics Journal Issue: 21 Vol. 55; ISSN 0003-6935; ISSN APOPAI
• Publisher: Optical Society of America (OSA)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English