Optical Waveguides for Laser Gyro Applications

The use of light in inertial rotation sensing requires the path of a light beam to enclose an area, so that clockwise and counter-clockwise degeneracy is lifted by an inertial rotation. This is presently done in laser gyros with carefully aligned mirrors. This paper reviews the way in which guided waves may be used to eliminate the use of carefully aligned mirrors and discrete optical components. The advantages of guided wave devices will be increased stability and rigidity, as well as potential decreased fabricational costs. Disadvantages are possible increases in scattering and absorption losses.