High sensitivity optical fiber current sensor based on polarization diversity and a Faraday rotation mirror cavity.

A novel high sensitivity optical fiber current sensor (OFCS) based on polarization diversity and a Faraday rotation mirror cavity is proposed and demonstrated. Comparing with single-channel detection in a conventional OFCS, a signal power gain of 6 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio improvement of over 30 dB have been achieved in the new scheme. The cavity amplifies magnetic field-induced nonreciprocal phase modulation, while the Faraday rotation mirrors suppress the reciprocal birefringence.

Polarization dynamics in optical ground wire network.

We report the polarization dynamics in an optical ground wire (OPGW) network for a summer period and a fall period for what is believed to be the first time. To better observe the surrounding magnetic fields contribution to modulating the state of polarization (SOP) we installed a Faraday rotating mirror to correct reciprocal birefringence from quasi-static changes. We also monitored the OPGW while no electrical current was present in the towers' electrical conductors.