Accession Number:

ADA114753

Title:

New Approaches to Optical Systems for Inertial Rotation Sensing

Descriptive Note:

Interim scientific rept. 1 Jan-31 Dec 1980

Corporate Author:

STANFORD UNIV CA EDWARD L GINZTON LAB OF PHYSICS

Personal Author(s):

• Chodorow, M.
• Cutler, C. C.
• Newton, S. A.
• Pavlath, G. A.
• Shaw, H. J.

Report Date:

1981-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

98.0

Abstract:

The objective of this research program has been to investigate the potential of new fiber optic configurations for inertial rotation sensing so as to extend the sensitivity and stability of such systems. In particular, the research has been aimed at the design and construction of reentrant Sagnac systems permitting recirculation of the optical signals. There have been two main activities in the program, 1 the design and partial construction of an all-fiber Sagnac rotation sensor eliminating all previously used bulk optical components, lenses, mirrors, prisms, etc. Bulk components do not have sufficient precision and impose alignment problems so as to limit the sensitivity and recirculation capability of Sagnac sensors. The all fiber design was made possible by the development in this laboratory partially under other contract support of a set of all fiber components, directional couplers, polarizers, and polarization controllers, which have been incorporated in the all fiber design. This configuration should provide greatly increased sensitivity and device compactness and ruggedness. The second set of activities in the program has been to investigate various limitations on the sensitivity minimum detectable rotation rate of Sagnac systems. One such limitation is the extraneous noise known to exist in all Sagnac systems. We have found particularly, that the effects of Rayleigh backscattering from fiber inhomogeneities of phase detection in Sagnac systems, as one of the principle limitations on sensitivity.

Descriptors:

• *FIBER OPTICS
• *INERTIAL SYSTEMS
• BEAM SPLITTING
• OPTICAL INTERFEROMETERS
• PHASE DETECTORS
• PHASE SHIFT
• POLARIZERS
• RAYLEIGH SCATTERING
• ROTATION
• WAVEGUIDE COUPLERS

Subject Categories:

• Optical Detection and Detectors

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE