Open-loop fiber-optic gyroscope with a double sensitivity employing a polarization splitter and Faraday rotator mirror

Abstract

In this Letter, a novel open-loop fiber-optic gyroscope configuration with a double sensitivity is proposed. By employing a polarization-maintaining Faraday rotator mirror and a polarization beamsplitter/combiner, light waves propagate twice along the same fiber coil in two orthonormal polarization directions. The reciprocity of the configuration has been verified in theory. The Allan variance analysis of the gyro prototype exhibits 0.03°/h bias stability over 5.5 h in the laboratory environment.