Cross-talk analysis of time-division multiplexing of polarization-insensitive fiber-optic Michelson interferometric sensors with a 3x3 directional coupler

A time division multiplexing of polarization-insensitive fiber-optic Michelson interferometric sensors (TDM-PIMI's) with a 3 x 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 x 3 directional coupler is described. (C) 1997 Optical Society of America