Characterization of temperature-dependent birefringence in polarization maintaining fibers based on Brillouin dynamic gratings

Abstract

Temperature dependence of birefringence in various types of polarization-maintaining fibers (PMF's) is rigorously investigated by the spectral analysis of Brillouin dynamic grating (BDG). PANDA, Bowtie, and PM photonic crystal fibers are tested in the temperature range of -30 to 150 degrees C, where nonlinear temperature dependence is quantified for each fiber to an accuracy of +/- 7.6 x 10(-8). It is observed that the amount of deviation from the linearity varies according to the structural parameters of the PMF's and the existence of acrylate jacket. Experimental confirmation of the validity of the BDG-based birefringence measurement is also presented in comparison to the periodic lateral force method.