High-performance integrated-optical chip for a broad range of fiber-optic gyro applications

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Integrated Optics
• Fiber Optic Sensors

Background:

• Fiber-optic gyroscopes (FOGs) are crucial for navigation and sensing.
• High-performance integrated optical circuits are essential for miniaturizing and improving FOGs.
• Existing integrated optical devices face challenges in polarization control and operational voltage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel high-performance integrated-optical device for diverse fiber-optic gyro applications.
• To demonstrate a compact and efficient optical circuit for advanced sensing.
• To achieve superior performance metrics in integrated optical components.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of the integrated optical circuit using the annealed-proton-exchange method in X-cut Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3).
• Integration of four directional couplers and six phase modulators.
• Inclusion of an on-chip interferometric serrodyne phase detector.

Main Results:

• Achieved a highly polarizing guided circuit with a polarization extinction ratio of at least 60 dB.
• Demonstrated low half-wave voltages (3.5-5.5 V) at 1.3 microm wavelength.
• Directional coupler parameters (splitting and tapping) met design requirements for practical applications.

Conclusions:

• The developed integrated-optical device offers high performance for fiber-optic gyro applications.
• The fabrication method and circuit design enable excellent polarization extinction and low operational voltage.
• This device represents a significant advancement for next-generation fiber-optic sensing systems.