Mode partition noise enhancement in a polarimetric interferometer

A polarimetric interferometer is used to enhance mode partition noise. A theory is developed on agreement with the experimental results. The experimental setup is implemented using basically the output of a 786 nm wavelength multimode laser diode coupled to a 1.56 m long, 1.2 mm at 820 nm beat length birefringent optical fiber, 2 linear polarizers, and 4 lens. The optical signal with mode partition noise enhanced has a constant spectral density up to 100 MHz. An application is provided with the characterization of three photodetection circuits.