Abstract

A time division multiplexing of polarization-insensitive fiber-optic Michelson interferometric sensors (TDM–PIMI’s) with a 3 × 3 directional coupler is presented. The elimination of polarization-induced fading and the output intensities of the TDM–PIMI system are described and demonstrated. The output intensity of each sensor of the system can be demodulated by a passive homodyne method to increase the sensor bandwidth significantly. The sensor cross talk of the system having an optical gate with a finite extinction ratio is analyzed. The use of a laser source with an adequate coherence length to reduce the sensor cross talk is suggested. The delay-fiber cross talk of the system by Rayleigh backscattering is analyzed and demonstrated. We further suggest some methods that could possibly reduce the effect of the Rayleigh backscattered light. Finally a sophisticated design of a TDM–PIMI system with a 3 × 3 directional coupler is described.

© 1997 Optical Society of America

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