A. Craig Beal

A practical approach to fast-light enhanced fiber sensing: experiments and modeling

It has been proposed that fast-light optical phenomena can increase the sensitivity of an optical gyroscope of a given size by several orders of magnitude. MagiQ Technologies is developing a compact fiber-based fast light Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) using Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) in optical fibers with commercially mature technologies. We have demonstrated repeatable fast-light effects in the lab using off-the shelf optical components. Numerical analysis has revealed the requirements for stable, sensitive operation of gyroscopes, accelerometers or other sensors, as well as identified methods for optimizing efficiency, size, and reliability with known optical technologies. By using photonic integrated circuits and telecom-grade components along with specialty fibers, our design would be appropriate for mass production. We have eliminated all free-space optical elements or wavelength dependent elements such as atomic vapor cells in order to enable a compact, high sensitivity IMU stable against environmental disturbances. Results of this effort will have benefits in existing applications of IMUs (such as inertial navigation units, gyrocompasses, and stabilization techniques), and will allow wider use of RLGs in spacecraft, unmanned aerial vehicles or sensors, where the current size and weight of optical IMUs are prohibitive.

Compact, fiber-based, fast-light enhanced optical gyroscope

It has been proposed that fast-light optical phenomena can increase the sensitivity of a Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) of a given size by several orders of magnitude. MagiQ is developing a compact fully-fibered fast light RLG using Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) in commercial optical fiber. We will discuss our experimental results on SBS pumped lasing in commercial fibers and analyze their implications to the fast light generation. Based on these results, we envision a fast light enhanced Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) that will use only a few meters of fiber and require moderate pump power (only a few 100’s of mW). We will present the design that is based on proven, commercially available technologies. By using photonic integrated circuits and telecom-grade fiber components, we created a design that is appropriate for mass production in the near term. We eliminated all free-space optical elements (such as atomic vapor cells), in order to enable a compact, high sensitivity RLG stable against environmental disturbances. Results of this effort will have benefits in existing applications of RLGs (such as inertial navigation units, gyrocompasses, and stabilization techniques), and will allow wider use of RLGs in spacecraft, unmanned aerial vehicles or sensors, where the current size and weight of optical gyros are prohibitive.