Stress distribution and birefringence measurement in double-clad fiber

Modal birefringence and stress distribution measurements in a single-mode double-clad Nd⁺³-doped fiber are reported. The contribution of different mechanisms, such as stress-induced birefringence, bending and core ellipticity, to the total birefringence is determined for a fiber wound onto a drum. A stress distribution pattern in the cross-section of the fiber is presented. The stresses are shown to be applied to a fiber core along the cladding minor axis.