Development of low and high birefringence optical fibres

Abstract

The polarization properties of single-mode optical fibers are easily modified by environmental factors, While this can be exploited in a number of fiber sensor devices. it can be troublesome in applications where a stable output polarization-state is required. Fibers with both low and high birefringence have been developed to enhance or diminish their environmental sensitivity, and recent progress in each area is reviewed. Low-birefringence fibers are described which are made by spinning the preform during the draw. In addition. developments in high-birefringence fibers which maintain a polarization state over long lengths are summarized. The effect on performance of external factors such as bends, transverse pressure, and twists is analyzed. Consideration is also given to polarization mode-dispersion as a potential limiting factor in ultrahigh bandwidth systems.

IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics (1982) Vol.18(4) pp.477-478

doi: 10.1109/JQE.1982.1071589

Publisher′s URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=1071589

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