Phase Demodulation Methods for Optical Fiber Vibration Sensing System: A Review

In recent years, phase demodulation methods for optical fiber vibration sensors (OFVS) have attracted more and more attention, aiming to accurately detect vibration signals. The principles of phase modulation and demodulation in OFVS are firstly introduced. Then, three classical phase demodulation methods are described, including phase generated carrier (PGC) demodulation method, ${3}\,\,\times \,\,{3}$ coupler demodulation method, and in-phase and quadrature (IQ) demodulation method. Furthermore, the state of art of phase demodulation methods in various OFVS are reviewed. As the results of analysis, different structures of OFVS need appropriate demodulation methods for vibration detection. The Fourier transform method, fringe counting method and PGC demodulation method have strong applicability for Fabry-Perot interference OFVS. The scalability of interferometers provides convenience for PGC demodulation method and ${3}\,\,\times \,\,{3}$ coupler demodulation method in the OFVS with composite structure. PGC demodulation method, ${3}\,\,\times \,\,{3}$ coupler demodulation method and quadrature demodulation method are good choices for dynamic sensing in FBG-OFVS. The IQ demodulation method is a popular choice for phase sensitive optical time domain reflectometry at present. This paper provides a reference for the OFVS to realize vibration detection with appropriate phase demodulation method.