Complete measuring the polarization parameters of polarization-maintain fiber using distributed polarization crosstalk test method

We present a method to accurately measure the polarization parameters of high birefringence polarization-maintaining (PM) fibers using a distributed polarization analyzer. By measuring a equidistant periodic cross-talks peaks along the PM fiber induced by the pressure of an thin metal cylinder between the spool and the wound fiber, the group birefringence perturbations along the length of PM fiber can be accurately obtained. By finding the widths of measured cross-talk envelopes at known distances along the PM fiber, the birefringence dispersion variable of fiber can be obtained. By analyzing cross-talk peaks purposely induced at both ends of the PM fiber, the temperature coefficient of group birefringence can be accurately obtained.