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

Caleb A. Christensen; Anton Zavriyev; Malcolm Cummings; A. Craig Beal; Mark Lucas; Michael Lagasse

doi:10.1117/12.2050505

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18 June 2014 A practical approach to fast-light enhanced fiber sensing: experiments and modeling

Caleb A. Christensen, Anton Zavriyev, Malcolm Cummings, A. Craig Beal, Mark Lucas, Michael Lagasse

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Proceedings Volume 9098, Fiber Optic Sensors and Applications XI; 90980J (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2050505
Event: SPIE Sensing Technology + Applications, 2014, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

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.

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Caleb A. Christensen, Anton Zavriyev, Malcolm Cummings, A. Craig Beal, Mark Lucas, and Michael Lagasse "A practical approach to fast-light enhanced fiber sensing: experiments and modeling", Proc. SPIE 9098, Fiber Optic Sensors and Applications XI, 90980J (18 June 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2050505

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