摘要 |
A fiber optic rotation sensor, employing the Sagnac effect, comprises all fiber optic components (24, 26, 32, 34, 36, 38), positioned along a continuous, uninterrrupted strand (12) of fiber optic material. The rotation sensor includes a detection system (30, 40, 46, 47) utilizing a modulator (38) for phase modulating light waves which counterpropagate through a loop (14) formed in the fiber optic strand (12). The modulator (38) is operated at a specific frequency to eliminate amplitude modulation in the detected optical output signal. The rotation sensor is mounted in a mu -metal housing (110) to shield it from the effects of ambient magnetic fields. An isolator (120) is utilized to prevent the optical output signal from returning to the laser source (10). This advantageously reduces power losses in the system by eliminating the need for a coupler to couple the output signal to a detector (30). |
申请人 |
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY, THE |
发明人 |
SHAW,H.J.,LEFEVRE,H.C.,BERGH,R.A. |