OPTICAL SENSOR AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

An interferometer apparatus for an optical fibre system and method of use is described. The interferometer comprises an optical coupler and optical fibres which define first and second optical paths. Light propagating in the first and second optical paths is refelected back to the optical coupler to generate an interference signal. First, second and third interference signal components are directed towards respective first, second and third photodetectors. The third photodetector is connected to the coupler via a non-reciprocal optical device and is configured to measure the intensity of the third interference signal component directed back towards the input fibre. Methods of use in applications to monitoring acoustic perturbations and a calibration method are described.