Signal to Noise Ratio Performance Analysis for Vibration Detection Using Phase Sensitive OTDR in Distributed Acoustic Sensing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53655/joe.y2300jKeywords:
Optical time domain reflectometry, signal to noise ratio, distributed acoustic sensingAbstract
Phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) has emerged as a powerful technique for distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) in a wide range of applications, including perimeter security. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a critical parameter in determining the sensitivity and reliability of vibration detection in these systems. In this paper, we present a detailed analysis of SNR performance in Φ-OTDR-based DAS systems. We investigate the influence of key system parameters such as optical pulse width, vibration frequencies and spatial resolution on the SNR value. A DAS setup is developed to evaluate how these parameters affect the backscattered signal and noise characteristics over pulse widths and vibration frequencies. Our results show that SNR increases exponentially with optical pulse widths, but it degrades the spatial resolution value. The findings provide practical insights into the phase information in the development of a more efficient and sensitive DAS system. This work contributes to the growing understanding of SNR limitations and enhancement strategies in distributed fiber optic sensing.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Muhsin Muhsin, Hafiz Zulhazmi Jabidin, Ain Nabihah Mohammad Rihan, Wan Muhammad Noor Haekal W Mamat, Mohd Saiful Dzulkefly Zan

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