A new cavity ring-down topology for remote sensing

Abstract

A new, fiber-based, cavity ring-down topology is presented which enables the application of the cavity ring-down technique to remote sensing, by the use of a large cavity ring and an optical circulator. For a proof of concept a 1.5 km ring is assembled and a taper is used as a sensing head for measuring displacement. The cavity ring-down technique is seen to hold some potential for remote sensing through its implementation on optical fibers.