Resonant optical gyroscope with ‘reflector’: analysis and simulations

Novel optical gyroscope: proof of principle demonstration and future scope

“…1 . As described in detail in our theoretical work 9 , due to the presence of the inline reflector, there are three cavities, cavity a , with propagation in the CCW direction, cavity b, with propagation in the CW direction and cavity c with propagation equally in both these directions. Cavity c is formed due to reflections from the two sides of the reflecting element and has a round trip path length that is twice that of a, or b .…”

“…The cavity c is anti-resonant at the resonance of a or b due to the extra phase of π when the ring is stationary. This can cause mode splitting even when the cavity is at rest, provided R is larger than a critical value 9 R crit = ( k /(2 − k )) 2 . When the ring rotates clockwise the resonance of a and b split as Φ cw = Φ + Δ Φ and Φ ccw = Φ − Δ Φ due to the Sagnac effect.…”

“…where P, A, B, C and D are constants that depend on the values of the coupling coefficient, the reflectivity of the inline reflector and the losses 9 . Equation (1) with Φ = 0 gives us the change in the peak reflectance ( R eff for Φ = 0) with rotational velocity and is used for sensing.…”

“…We have earlier 9 derived the expression for the minimum detectable rotation rate under lossless conditions. This can be recast in the form…”

“…We have recently suggested through theory and analysis 9 , a new way to use the Sagnac effect, which can turn out to be more cost effective and is also expected to perform better. This is the simplest possible coupled cavity device that consists of just a single ring and an inline reflector.…”