Compact Fiber-Optic Current Sensor Utilizing Multiple Modes

Abstract

In this paper, a simple and compact fiber-optic current sensor utilizing a standard telecom fiber is demonstrated. The sensor employs a Faraday effect introducing a circular birefringence, which is added to a birefringence induced by fiber coiling. The experiments revealed that multi-mode propagation of light with wavelength of 633 nm may exhibited much better sensitivity to the Faraday effect and is less harmed by the parasitic birefringence compared to single-mode beam with 1550 nm.