Interferometric optical gyroscope based on an integrated silica waveguide coil with low loss

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Photonics
• Inertial Sensing

Background:

• Integrated devices offer a promising path for miniaturized inertial sensors.
• Accuracy in interferometric optical gyros (IOGs) is critically dependent on sensing coil insertion loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the accuracy of integrated interferometric optical gyros.
• To minimize sensing coil insertion loss in IOGs for improved performance.

Main Methods:

• Constructed an IOG utilizing a 2.14-m-long SiO2 waveguide sensing coil.
• Optimized waveguide bend radius and spacing to reduce insertion loss.
• Employed sinusoidal wave biasing modulation to boost detection sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Achieved the lowest reported bias drift for an IOG at 7.32°/h.
• Demonstrated effective minimization of sensing coil insertion loss.
• Showcased improved system detection sensitivity through biasing modulation.

Conclusions:

• The developed integrated IOG represents a significant advancement in miniaturized inertial sensing technology.
• Optimized waveguide design and biasing modulation are key to achieving high-accuracy IOGs.
• This work sets a new benchmark for IOG bias drift performance.