Simple method for the characterization ofbirefringence of single-mode optical fibers

Over the past few decades, various laboratories have worked on non-destructive methods for the evaluation of residual birefringence of single-mode optical fibers. Among them, polarimetric methods allowing the measurement of polarization eigenmodes represent the best option when it is necessary either to understand or to control the evolution of the state of polarization of light along the fiber. In this work, we present a polarimetric technique based on the use of Mueller calculus and the Poincare sphere. This is a simple, precise, and non-destructive method allowing the measurement of the azimuth and ellipticity angles of the polarization eigenmode, as well as the total retardation angle modulus-π.