The solid-state ring laser gyro: current and future trends

Abstract: We show that a certain fundamental limit applies to the accuracy of all optical rotation sensors which use laser light as a probe. We derive this fundamental rotation-rate uncertainty from the Heisenberg uncertainty relations and Glauber's minimum uncertainty states. The same relationship is obtained from a spontaneous-emission noise formulation. We present experimental data on a (nondithered) four-frequency ring laser gyroscope for which this limit is attained.

Abstract: A helium–neon ring laser cavity is modified by employing variable coupled passive cavities to introduce anomalous dispersion. An equivalent model for the coupled cavities is proposed, and new equations are performed. Theoretical analysis of the parameters is presented in detail, and a novel iterative method is proposed. Gyros using this ring laser are shown in different sensitivity enhancements with limited broadened passive cavity line-width, and the minimal measurable rotation rate is analyzed. The related quantum noise limited line-width is found to be broadened with limitations, which mainly depend on the round trip loss. Fluctuations are induced to analyze parameter influences on enhancements, and a novel modification method concerning mirror reflectivity is proposed for experimental setups. Finally several practical considerations are generally discussed, and some suggestions are proposed for realization. This fast light induced enhancement can be important for present gyros based on a He–Ne ring laser.

Abstract: A solid-state laser gyroscope based on YAG:Cr4+ operating in the mode-locking regime presents in this paper. The physical mechanisms of noise rejection and coupling reducing of counter propagating waves in the gyroscope during mode locking are analyzed. The conditions for stable bi-directional generation are determined.

Abstract: In this article the study of the multifrequency generation regime in a laser gyroscope was undertaken. The study is performed on a laser gyroscope with a broadband solid-state wide-range active medium YAG:Cr4+ and a gyroscope on a semiconductor optical amplifier and with a fiber-optic cavity. Mode-locking was used in order to improve stability and reduce noise. Using Lamb theory-based equations, a mathematical model of the bi-directional generation dynamics in a gyroscope in the mode-locked for multifrequency generation in a laser was developed. The loss modulation phase and depth influence on the value of the stable mode synchronization area, as well as the generation parameters ensuring the registration of the angular quantities with maximum accuracy are defined.

Abstract: The spectral and temporal response of an optical cavity resonantly coupled to an ensemble of barium atoms has been investigated experimentally. The empty-cavity trnasmission resonances are found to split in the presence of the atoms and, under these conditions, the cavity's temporal response is found to be oscillatory. These effects may be viewed as a manifestation of a vacuum-field Rabi splitting, or as a simple consequence of the linear absorption and dispersion of the intracavity atoms.

Abstract: We describe a resonator-based optical gyroscope whose sensitivity for measuring absolute rotation is enhanced via use of the anomalous dispersion characteristic of superluminal light propagation. The enhancement is given by the inverse of the group index, saturating to a bound determined by the group velocity dispersion. We also show how the offsetting effect of the concomitant broadening of the resonator linewidth may be circumvented by using an active cavity. For realistic conditions, the enhancement factor is as high as ${10}^{6}$. We also show how normal dispersion used for slow light can enhance relative rotation sensing in a specially designed Sagnac interferometer, with the enhancement given by the slowing factor.

Abstract: We show that a certain fundamental limit applies to the accuracy of all optical rotation sensors which use laser light as a probe. We derive this fundamental rotation-rate uncertainty from the Heisenberg uncertainty relations and Glauber's minimum uncertainty states. The same relationship is obtained from a spontaneous-emission noise formulation. We present experimental data on a (nondithered) four-frequency ring laser gyroscope for which this limit is attained.