Birefringence matrix for a twisted single-mode fiber: Photoelastic and geometrical contributions

In this work, twist-induced birefringence changes of standard single-mode fibers are described using 3 × 3 Mueller matrices and analyzed by mapping the output polarization states on the Poincaré sphere. We present a birefringence matrix MT that describes the polarization changes in the twisted fibers. Experimental results within the wavelength range (1520–1550 nm) and the twist angle range (0°, 1440°) show that the resultant output polarization variation is produced by both the photoelastic effect and the geometric rotation of the birefringence axes.

► Twist induced birefringence in single-mode fibers is described by Mueller matrix MT.
► MT includes residual birefringence, axes geometric rotation and photoelastic effect.
► Experimental data (1525–1550 nm) agree accurately with theoretical predictions.