Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reconstructing an electromagnetic vector wave backscattered in all or part of an optical fiber. According to an embodiment of the method a light signal of a frequency v0 or v0+vA is injected into the optical fiber. A step of polarization-resolved heterodyne optical detection includes the generation of at least two orthogonally polarized backscattered light signals, producing a beat preferably of a frequency vA. At least one photodetector converts the orthogonally polarized backscattered light signals into initial analog signals. Electrical homodyne detection is performed by an IQ demodulator so as to generate I and Q demodulated analog signals. A processing module reconstructs the electromagnetic vector wave backscattered in all or part of the optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (1) for reconstructing an electromagnetic vector wave backscattered in all or part of an optical fiber (106), comprising: A step (200) of injecting into the optical fiber (106) a light signal of a frequency v0 or v0+vA, A step (300) of polarization-resolved heterodyne optical detection including the generation of at least two orthogonally polarized backscattered light signals, producing a beat preferably of a frequency vA, A step (400) of converting, by at least one photodetector (203), the orthogonally polarized backscattered light signals into initial analog signals, A step (500) of electrical homodyne detection, by an IQ demodulator (211, 302), so as to generate I (I1, I2) and Q (Q1, Q2) demodulated analog signals, and A step (600) of reconstructing, by a processing module (209), the electromagnetic vector wave backscattered in all or part of the optical fiber (106).