Limits of applicability of polarization sensitive reflectometry

We present a detailed theoretical analysis of the measurement limits of polarization sensitive reflectometry, imposed by spatial resolution and measurement accuracy. The limits are conveniently represented in a map of constraints. We also describe and experimentally verify a procedure that allows to measure spin profiles of single-mode fibers with spin rates exceeding the measurable range of the reflectometer. The technique consists in twisting the fiber to locally unwind the spin. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America