Birefringence induced by bends and twists in single-mode optical fiber

Abstract

Bend-induced retardation and twist-induced rotation in single-mode optical fibers are important variables in the design of optical fiber current measurement systems. Bend-induced retardation varies with the square of the curvature and is believed caused by a waveguide geometry effect. Twist-induced rotation varies with the angle through which the fiber is twisted and is produced by torsional strain in the fiber. Both effects were found highly reproducible and to have small temperature dependence. Neither effect should significantly limit the performance of optical measurement systems using single-mode fibers.