Performance of digital incoherent OFDR and prospects for optical fiber sensing applications

We propose a digital implementation of the incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR) technique for precise backscatter measurement and optical fiber sensing applications. Specific performance parameters of the I-OFDR are discussed and compared to an analog vector network analyzer-based I-OFDR system. Improved sensitivity, dynamic range and signal stability of the digital I-OFDR is presented and demonstrated by means of quasi-distributed length change measurement.