One can see many research papers, where so called low-birefringence fibers are used. In particular, they were used for observation of NLPR (nonlinear polarization rotation) or for mode-locking or pulse shaping, using NLPR. At the same time it is indicated that due to low birefringence, it is difficult to fix the position of the principal or neutral) axes in such fibers. Axis position is seriously affected by external factors (temperature, mechanical stress, etc). We can conclude, that such fiber can not be used as reliable polarization-maintaining component. Unfortunately I was unable to find any solid paper, where the useful applications of these fibers were explained.
I get an opinion, that it was temporary solution before the development of real polarization-maintaining fibers with high birefringence. And because this fiber exhibits NLPR (which is very small in high-birefringence fibers, one can use it for experimental solutions ( but almost useless for practical application).
Is it correct ? Also can anybody give me a useful reference ?
One of the first papers describing low-birefringence fibers is this one:
Article Low-birefringence single-mode optical fibers: Preparation an...
For example, these fibers are used for nonlinear polarization mode-locking
https://www.rp-photonics.com/nonlinear_polarization_rotation.html
In order to exploit this effect, you have to avoid parasitic birefringence, which would prevent the rotation effect.
Apart from this application in mode-locking, the general idea behind these fibers is preservation of the polarization state in meter-length fibers. This polarization state is not necessarily linear, but may also be circular or elliptical. High-birefringence fibers only maintain linear polarization states when the polarization is parallel to the slow or fast axis of the fiber; circular polarization states cannot be preserved.
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