Mode-locked fiber laser gyroscope based on a distributed-feedback semiconductor laser amplifier.

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Inertial Navigation Systems
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Fiber laser gyroscopes are crucial for precise rotation sensing.
• Traditional designs face challenges with stability and accuracy.
• Semiconductor laser amplifiers offer potential for improved performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mode-locked fiber laser gyroscope using a distributed-feedback semiconductor laser amplifier.
• To evaluate the stability and accuracy of pulse generation and rotation rate measurement.
• To assess the noise performance of the developed gyroscope.

Main Methods:

• Employing a distributed-feedback semiconductor laser amplifier as the gain medium in a mode-locked fiber laser cavity.
• Achieving stable mode-locked optical pulse generation without gain competition.
• Measuring the pulse interval's accuracy as a function of rotation rate.

Main Results:

• Stable mode-locked optical pulses were successfully obtained.
• The pulse interval measurement demonstrated significantly improved accuracy with respect to rotation rate.
• The root-mean-square (rms) noise equivalent rotation rate was measured at 0.4 degrees per hour (deg/hr).

Conclusions:

• The distributed-feedback semiconductor laser amplifier is a viable gain medium for mode-locked fiber laser gyroscopes.
• The proposed design enhances measurement accuracy and stability.
• The gyroscope exhibits low noise performance, suitable for high-precision applications.