Wavelength switching technique for phase interrogation of Mach Zehnder interferometer-based optical sensors

A method for determining the phase shift of a Mach Zehnder interferometer (MZI) is presented. It is based on switching the wavelength of continuous wave (CW) laser light illuminating the MZI and measuring the interferometer output amplitudes at DC and switching frequency. The method can measure the MZI phase shift unambiguously over the entire phase shift range of 2 pi. A practical proof of concept demonstration shows that the method can perform real-time measurement with high repeatability and accuracy limited by the optical frequency drift and power fluctuation of the lasers. The method does not require modifications of the sensor or accessing to the laser electronics and also uses simple detection. It is, therefore, suitable for bio and medical sensing applications.