Precision Navigation Grade Fiber-Optic Gyroscope (FOG) with Noise Reduced Source

In Phase II of this SBIR program, Photonic Systems, Inc. (PSI) will demonstrate a navigation-grade gyroscope with improved performance enabled by a novel high-output-intensity, noise-reduced optical source. The source, which is being demonstrated in Phase I of this program, makes use of a wavelength-stable Erbium-doped fiber seed source, and provides relative intensity noise (RIN) reduction by the use of feedback loop to a waveguide variable optical attenuator (VOA). Shot noise is controlled by the high available output power levels from the source. Polarization control is provided by the use of a polarizing isolator. A noise analysis for all noise contributions to the gyro that was begun in Phase I will be continued by comparing the designed source with more conventional ones, and the designed source both with and without the feedback loop operational. This design and analysis effort will provide the foundation for the construction of the source and testing with a navigation grade gyro provided by the C. S. Draper Navigation Test Facility. BENEFITS: The noise-reduced optical source provides improved noise performance for the gyro, which can be utilized to tighten operating specifications for a given application, or can be used to trade-off for reductions in size, weight, or power in a fixed application. A significant benefit of this effort is that, after the completion of Phase II, it will provide the necessary information to allow such a trade-off to be made. This approach should have an important impact on the utility and effectiveness of navigation-grade fiber gyroscopes.