RADIATION INSENSITIVE FIBER LIGHT SOURCE FOR INTERFEROMETRIC FIBER OPTIC GYROSCOPES (IFOGS)

摘要

A fiber optic light source produces a light spectrum having a mean wavelength which is substantially unaffected when exposed to weapon's level radiation threat. The mean wavelength is in the range of 1520 nm to 1540 nm, preferably about 1532 nm. The fiber optic light comprises a pump laser and a length of doped fiber optic material through which produces a light output with a predetermined spectrum and mean wavelength. The length of fiber optic material depends on the specific properties of the fiber, but by using the preferred material, i.e. a length of Erbium Doped Fiber, the length of fiber is in the range of about 8 to 15 and preferably about 6 to 12 meters. Light is generated in a predetermined wavelength range, filtered to produce a wavelength range which it is substantially unaffected by weapons level radiation threat, and directing the filtered light to an interferometric fiber optic gyroscope.