摘要 |
A ring laser gyroscope having four independent gain regions each of which drives only one of four modes lasing within the cavity. A non-planar cavity of four intersecting segments of equal lengths is formed within a frame. Versions are disclosed for exciting plasmas therein by both d.c. and r.f. means. By selectively applying localized magnetic fields of differential strengths (by means of both permanent and electro-magnets) to the four gain regions in the cavity, gain curves having distinct, substantially non-overlapping peaks driving different polarization helicities are caused to be generated therein. Circuitry permits one to adjust the locations of the peaks of the gain curves within each of the segments in frequency to coincide with preselected resonant cavity modes. The device permits four mode multioscillator operation free from the harmful effects of mode competition inasmuch as each lasing cavity mode derives gain substantially from only one gain peak.
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