Hybrid Semiconductor Fiber Ring Laser Gyroscope

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to present a hybrid semiconductor fiber ring laser gyroscope system constructed from standard single mode (SMF-28e) fibers and a semiconductor optical amplifier. We have constructed the optical setup with a novel technique for determining the direction of rotation. Moreover, we have used a long fiber cavity to enhance the gyro’s sensitivity and temperature stability. We have proposed the use of an optical filter inside the laser cavity to enhance the gyro sensitivity. This filter will be used in combination with a novel technique for the SOA modulation to reduce the lock-in effect. A numerical model for the system was developed accounting for the multimode nature of the ring cavity as well as the modulation capability of the SOA. We have studied the thermal effects on the HRLG bias and validating this effect experimentally. We have optimized the system achieving the tactical gyro’s grade. The final assembled system has been experimentally validated to achieve a bias instability of 2º/h and an ARW of 0.5º/√h.