Dual-polarization interferometric fiber optic gyroscope based on a four-port circulator

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Inertial Navigation Systems

Background:

• Dual-polarization interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFOGs) are crucial for high-precision navigation.
• Existing IFOG designs face challenges with polarization coupling errors and relative intensity noise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel dual-polarization IFOG configuration.
• To address polarization coupling errors and excess relative intensity noise simultaneously.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a novel IFOG configuration utilizing a four-port circulator.
• Experimental measurements of short-term sensitivity and long-term drift.
• Analysis of the root power spectrum density.

Main Results:

• Achieved an angle random walk of 5.0×10^-5∘/h.
• Achieved a bias instability of 9.0×10^-5 °/h.
• Demonstrated a near-flat root power spectrum density from 0.001 Hz to 30 Hz.

Conclusions:

• The proposed dual-polarization IFOG configuration effectively handles polarization coupling errors and excess relative intensity noise.
• The achieved performance metrics indicate suitability for reference-grade IFOG applications.
• This novel design represents a significant advancement in fiber optic gyroscope technology.