Polarization and magnetooptic properties of single-mode optical fiber

The polarization and magnetooptic properties of a sample of single-mode optical fiber have been investigated. The fiber acts as a linear retarder, and the degree of retardation is dependent on the external pressure applied to the fiber. The stress optic coefficient is found to be 8.72 x 10(-10) N(-1) m(2). The direction of linear polarization is rotated when a longitudinal magnetic field is applied to the fiber (Faraday effect). The Verdet constant is 1.56 x 10(-2) min A(-1). The intrinsic specific linear retardation of the fiber is found to be less than 0.44 rad m(-1) from the magnetooptic measurements. The fiber has been used in an experimental current measurement device.