Reducing sensitivity fading in C-OTDR by use of enhanced scattering fiber segments

We present a technique to overcome the random transfer function of fiber-optic direct detection coherent optical time-domain reflectometry (C-OTDR). For this purpose, a standard optical fiber was treated by UV light in order to introduce local strongly scattering segments of definite size and distance to each other. Dynamic strain measurements were performed to demonstrate the sensory benefit in comparison to a non-manipulated fiber section. Our results show, that the modified fiber section exhibits a significant boost in strain sensitivity and in addition reduces the sensor dead time in a temperature-unstable environment as compared to a standard fiber.