Multiplexing of fiber-optic white light interferometric sensors using a ring resonator

A single-mode fiber-optic ring resonator is used as a multipath reference for multiplexing white light interferometric sensors. The theory of applying the resonator for multiplexing Michelson-type interferometer sensor is presented. The capacity of the technique in terms of maximum sensor number is evaluated for both a linear array and a M x N sensor matrix. Experimental results for a three-sensor linear array and 2 x 1 sensor matrix are also presented.