Elastically induced phase-shift and birefringence in optical fibers

Abstract

We compute how elastic deformations of optical fibers affect light propagation therein. Specifically, we consider differences in wave-guiding properties of straight fibers subject to different external temperatures, pressures, and gravitational fields. This is done by solving, perturbatively to first order, the Maxwell equations in deformed and anisotropic fibers using a multiple-scales approximation scheme. We derive explicit expressions for the induced phase shift and birefringence. The phase shift can be expressed in terms of the average radial pressure, longitudinal tension, and change in temperature, while birefringence depends on the quadrupole of the external pressure distribution and the stresses on the axis of the fiber.