Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) in FBGs

Do changes in the polarization state affect the measurement accuracy of an FBG?

Yes, changes in the polarization state of light can indeed affect the measurement accuracy of an FBG due to a phenomenon called Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL).

Explanation of PDL in FBGs:
PDL in an FBG refers to the variation in its reflection or transmission characteristics depending on the input polarization state of the light. Ideally, an FBG should interact identically with all polarization states. However, due to inherent asymmetries in the fiber grating structure, stress, or external factors, different polarization components of light might experience slightly different effective refractive indices or grating strengths. This leads to minor variations in the Bragg wavelength or reflectivity for different polarization states.

Impact on Measurement Accuracy:
When the polarization state of the light propagating through the fiber changes (e.g., due to bending, temperature fluctuations, or external forces on the lead-in fiber), the FBG’s response can subtly shift. This might manifest as:

  • Apparent wavelength shifts: The centroid wavelength of the reflected peak might appear to shift slightly, leading to errors in strain or temperature measurements.
  • Variations in reflected power: The intensity of the reflected light might fluctuate, which can affect the signal-to-noise ratio and the accuracy of peak detection, especially in systems that rely on intensity-based measurements.
  • Broadening or splitting of the FBG peak: In extreme cases, a single FBG peak might broaden or even split into two distinct peaks (birefringence), further complicating accurate wavelength determination.

OFSCN is committed to manufacturing high-quality FBGs with stable performance. While some degree of PDL is inherent in optical components, careful design and manufacturing processes aim to minimize its impact on sensing accuracy.

Here is an image of an OFSCN FBG sensor:


You can find more information about our FBG products here:

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