Laser gyro at quantum limit

Abstract

We show that a certain fundamental limit applies to the accuracy of all optical rotation sensors which use laser light as a probe. We derive this fundamental rotation-rate uncertainty from the Heisenberg uncertainty relations and Glauber's minimum uncertainty states. The same relationship is obtained from a spontaneous-emission noise formulation. We present experimental data on a (nondithered) four-frequency ring laser gyroscope for which this limit is attained.