Kerr-based non-Hermitian optical gyroscope leveraging unbalanced coupling.

Area of Science:

• Non-Hermitian physics
• Nonlinear optics
• Sensor technology

Background:

• Exceptional points (EPs) in non-Hermitian systems offer enhanced sensitivity for sensors.
• Previous EP-based sensors often require bias angular velocity, limiting their applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a nonlinear non-Hermitian gyroscope architecture.
• To demonstrate the induction of an EP at rest using Kerr nonlinearity.
• To analyze the EP's appearance on the optical power spectrum.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing Kerr nonlinearity to induce unbalanced coupling between counterpropagating modes in a resonator.
• Analyzing the optical power spectrum to identify the EP as a bifurcation point.
• Tuning input power to induce the EP without bias rotation.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated an EP at rest in a single nonlinear non-Hermitian resonator.
• Observed the EP on the optical power spectrum, corresponding to a spectral bifurcation.
• Showed that EP induction is achievable by tuning input power, independent of bias rotation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed nonlinear non-Hermitian gyroscope architecture enables EP-based sensing without bias angular velocity.
• Inducing an EP in a single resonator minimizes risks from external perturbations.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for developing highly sensitive and robust gyroscopes.