Analysis of Fiber Inhomogeneity Using Time-Resolved Acousto-Optic Interaction

Abstract

Time domain analysis of in-fiber acousto-optic interaction, using gated flexural acoustic waves, enables the analysis of fiber inhomogeneity with centimetric axial resolution. This technique permits the detection of tiny variations of the fundamental mode propagation factor along fiber sections of about 1 m. These variations can be correlated, for example, with submicrometric changes of the fiber diameter. We propose the use of this technique for an accurate characterization of dispersion fluctuations in nonlinear fibers and non-uniformities in other types of special fibers.