Distributed gas detection utilizing Fourier domain optical coherence based absorption spectroscopy

Abstract

In this study, a new method called Fourier domain optical coherence based absorption spectroscopy (FD-OCAS) is proposed for distributed gas detection for the first time. Mach-Zehnder interferometer based quasi-distributed structure is developed for proof-concept demonstration and experimental verification. Optical interference happens between reference arm and sensing arms of the constructed Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Different sensing arms coded with different fiber lengths contribute different frequency components in ultimate interference signals. Fourier transform is used to separate each frequency to identify different sensing arms, realizing distributed detection. The amplitudes of Fourier transform are related to the gas absorption levels in corresponding sensing arms. The proposed FD-OCAS is verified and shown to be effective by simulations and experiments on quasi-distributed structure. Keywords: Distributed detection, Optical fiber interference, Fourier transform, Integrated absorption, Optical coherence tomography