Multiplexing of optical fiber sensors using a frequency-modulated source and gated output

A novel method is proposed and demonstrated for multiplexing fiber-optic interferometric sensors using the FMCW technique. The method uses a gas laser whose optical frequency is modulated sinusoidally by an external modulator. The use of gating and appropriate signal processing can achieve low crosstalk between sensors. Experiments on two and three sensor systems are reported. The minimum detectable signal measured is 1 mrad/√Hzand the crosstalk factor achieved is -35 dB. The major causes of crosstalk are also analyzed.