Polarisation mode dispersion in transverse strain sensor based on optical fibre Solc filter

New insights into the transverse strain sensor based on the optical fibre Solc filter are reported. It is found that the sensitivity of the sensor is influenced by the polarisation mode dispersion (PMD). Simulation results show that the PMD reduces the sensitivity of the Solc filter sensor from 7.14pm per microstrain (pm/με) to 4.5pm/με. The influence of the centre wavelength of a light source and the section length of a sensor on its performance are also investigated with consideration of PMD. The reported findings are useful for the selection of a proper wavelength of the light source and an appropriate length for the sensor. © 2011 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.