Abstract
Interferometric systems consisting of two tandem interferometers with white-light illumination have been used as optical-fibre remote-sensing systems. Recently, it has been shown that both phase and amplitude of the output signal are significantly affected by externally induced birefringence in the fibre linking the interferometers; in some cases, this may cause total fading of the interference signal. In this letter, a new scheme is proposed to overcome this problem in white-light fibre-optic interferometric sensors. The approach is based on birefringence compensation using Faraday rotator mirror elements. The principle is experimentally verified, and the results confirm the theoretical expectation.

Abstract
An investigation is performed of the characteristics of the self-referencing intensity based Q-type fibre optic sensor using a recirculation loop structure. Both transmissive and reflective configurations are analysed. Via the definition of the measurement parameter (the R parameter) the linearity and sensitivity of the sensor are addressed. Theoretical and experimental results are compared, considering the problem of sensor design and optimization.

Abstract

Abstract
Faraday rotator mirror elements have been used in a number of applications as compensators for induced birefringence in retracing paths. In interferometric systems, such as the fiber-optic Michelson interferometer, this approach proved to be useful in providing maximum fringe visibility and insensitivity to the polarization state of light injected into the interferometer. However, it is found that, when the characteristics of the fiber coupler depend on the polarization state of the input beam, the efficiency of the Faraday mirror elements is limited. Theoretical analysis and experimental results in support of this statement are presented.

Abstract
Progressive ladder topology is studied by consideration of its properties of power budget and coupler tailoring. Optimization criteria are addressed for lossless and real systems, and their basic characteristics are compared with other topologies. Numerical results are presented, and an experiment is described for the case in which the network supports interferometric and intensity (with referentiation) fiber-optic-based sensors.

Abstract