Effects of back reflection on the fiber ring laser gyroscope

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Optical Engineering
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Fiber ring laser gyroscopes (FRLGs) are vital for inertial navigation.
• Backreflection can introduce errors and limit performance in optical systems.
• Understanding backreflection effects is key to improving FRLG accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the detailed effects of the backreflection coefficient on FRLG performance.
• To analyze the relationship between backreflection and intensity oscillations.
• To explore the theoretical responding curve of FRLGs.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis using mode coupling equations to study FRLG eigenmodes.
• Development and utilization of a bidirectional filter with a tunable backreflection coefficient.
• Experimental validation of theoretical findings under varying backreflection conditions.

Main Results:

• A strong correlation was identified between the backreflection coefficient and the degree of intensity oscillation in FRLGs.
• Theoretical responding curves were explored and experimentally verified.
• Two distinct responding curves were obtained with scale factors of 1.4405 kHz/deg·s⁻¹ and 1.3096 kHz/deg·s⁻¹ under different backreflection coefficients.
• Lock-in ranges were observed within 10 deg/s and 15 deg/s.

Conclusions:

• The backreflection coefficient is a critical parameter influencing FRLG performance.
• Controlling backreflection can optimize the scale factor and lock-in range of FRLGs.
• This study provides a foundation for designing more robust and accurate fiber ring laser gyroscopes.