High resolution polarization-independent highbirefringence fiber loop mirror sensor

In this work, two all polarization-maintaining (PM) highbirefringence (Hi-Bi) fiber loop mirrors (FLM) which are immune to external polarization perturbations are validated both theoretically and experimentally. Simplified and stable versions of classical FLMs were attained using a PM-coupler and by fusing the different Hi-Bi fiber sections with an adequate rotation angle between them. Since the polarization states are fixed along the whole fiber loop, no polarization controllers are needed. This simplifies the operation and increases the stability of the systems, which were also validated as ultra-high resolution sensors, experimentally obtaining a resolution of 6.2·10−4 °C without averaging.