Fiber sensor identification based on incoherent Rayleigh backscatter measurements in the frequency domain

Abstract

In this work, a fiber identification method based on incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (lOFDR) measurements is introduced. The proposed method uses the characteristic interference pattern of IOFDR Rayleigh backscatter measurements with a broadband light source to unambiguously recognize different initially scanned fiber segments. The recognition is achieved by crosscorrelating the spatially resolved Rayleigh backscatter profile of the fiber segment under test with a initially measured and stored backscatter profile. This profile was found to be relatively insensitive to temperature changes. It is shown that identification is possible even if the fiber segment in question is installed subsequent to 300 m of lead fiber.