Comprehensive Performance Assessment of Coherent Φ-OTDR Implementation Schemes

Phase sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) is a key technology for implementing distributed acoustic sensing. However, inherent trade-offs exist among its various performance parameters, requiring balanced optimization during system design under fixed hardware constraints. In this paper, a comprehensive multi-dimensional performance evaluation for phase-demodulated Φ-OTDR is conducted, assessing system performance from multiple perspectives. Furthermore, the limitations imposed by hardware parameters on overall system performance are analyzed. By reviewing and comparing common phase demodulation schemes developed in recent years, this study reveals the constraints that frequency-domain resources place on system performance limits. The results presented herein provide valuable insights and guidance for the future optimization of Φ-OTDR systems.