Demodulation Algorithm Using the Hilbert Transform for a Dynamic Polarimetric Optical Fiber Sensor

A new method of signal analysis from a polarimetric optical fiber sensor is presented. The proposed method is based on the Hilbert transform and utilizes only one light detector to calculate a strain-induced phase shift, thereby overall sensor cost and complexity is minimized. The demodulation algorithm is optimized for the dynamic strain measurement used in composite materials monitoring. The method is implemented to measure the dynamic strain in a reflective sensor configuration. Vibration and mechanical impact measurements as well as Fourier analysis prove the reliability of the proposed method.