Distributed fiber optic sensor employing phase generate carrier for disturbance detection and location

Distributed optic fiber sensor is a new type of system, which could be used in the long-distance and strong-EMI condition for monitoring and inspection. A method of external modulation with a phase modulator is proposed in this paper to improve the positioning accuracy of the disturbance in a distributed optic-fiber sensor. We construct distributed disturbance detecting system based on Michelson interferometer, and a phase modulator has been attached to the fiber sensor in front of the Faraday rotation mirror (FRM), to elevate the signal produced by interfering of the two lights reflected by the Faraday rotation Mirror to a high frequency, while other signals remain in the low frequency. Through a high pass filter and phase retrieve circus, a signal which is proportional to the external disturbance is acquired. The accuracy of disturbance positioning with this signal can be largely improved. The method is quite simple and easy to achieve. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that, this method can effectively improve the positioning accuracy.