Lead Sensitivity in White Light Fiber Optic Interferometry

Interferometric systems consisting of two tandem interferometers using white light have been used as the basis of remote sensing systems. Generally no regard has been given to the effect of externally induced polarization changes in the fiber linking the inteferometers. It is shown here both theoretically and experimentally that both phase and amplitude of the interference signal at the output of the system is significantly affected by externally induced birefringence in the fiber link. In some systems this may cause total fading of signal.