Theoretical Analysis of a Non-Symmetric Polarization-Maintaining Single-Mode Fiber for Sensor Applications

An asymmetric polarization-maintaining single-mode fiber with one side-hole being incorporated into the fiber cladding has been investigated analytically in this work for potential pressure measurements. The material birefringence of the fiber is calculated using a thermo-elastic displacement potential method through the superposition of sectional displacement potentials. The results obtained are generic and are thus applicable to any one-hole fiber structures, should the hole diameter or position vary in the fiber cladding, or the fiber hole be empty or filled in with any material. This enables the analysis to be applied more widely in a range of optical fiber sensor applications.