System and Method for Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable mitigation of the effects of birefringence in Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer (OFDR) sensing fiber. Various embodiments enable the measurement of the polarization state of the light in a sensing fiber throughout the entire sensing cable in a highly distributed manner typical of OFDR systems. Various embodiments enable the production of a distributed fiber birefringence measurement throughout the length of an OFDR sensing fiber. Various embodiments may enable OFDR to be 100% polarization diverse, meaning that polarization effects in the fiber optic cables and sensing fiber do not negatively effect measurements. Additionally, the highly distributed measurement of the polarization state and related birefringence in a sensing fiber of the various embodiments may enable new types of measurements such as pressure, twisting, and bending along the sensing fiber