Use of Optical Coherent Detection for Environmental Sensing

We discuss the use of the fiber channel transfer matrix extracted from a digital coherent receiver for environmental sensing. We show that the polarization rotation vector describing the unitary part of the matrix is highly sensitive to perturbations affecting the optical fiber link. This vector can be readily extracted from the time-dependent transfer matrix reconstructed by the coherent receiver during system operation and may serve as an effective observable to monitor environmental changes.

Automated summary

We explore the utilization of the fiber channel transfer matrix obtained from a digital coherent receiver for environmental sensing. Our findings reveal that the polarization rotation vector, which characterizes the unitary part of the matrix, displays high sensitivity to perturbations impacting the optical fiber link. This vector can be easily extracted from the time-dependent transfer matrix reconstructed during the operation of the coherent receiver, serving as a valuable observable for environmental monitoring.