Abstract

In this work we demonstrate an extremely simple BOTDA scheme capable of delivering distributed Brillouin Phase Shift measurements along an optical fiber. It is based on exploiting the non-reciprocity of the Stimulated Brillouin Scattering effect. This non-reciprocity is easily characterized by means of a suitably tuned Sagnac Interferometer. The technique is advantageous as, in comparison with previous methods, no complex modulation, no sharp filtering and no high-bandwidth detection is needed. Theoretical and experimental proofs of the concept are given.