Phase nulling optical gyro

Claim 2

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light; means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of phase shift induced by the rotation about said predetermined axis; and means for compensating said output of said means for detecting to restore said output of said means for detecting to the phase relationship without rotation by producing an output indicative of the degree of phase compensation and applying said output indicative of the degree of phase compensation to said means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift, said output indicative of the degree of phase compensation also indicating rotation.

Claim 3

The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said means establishing a counterpropagating light path include: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively.

Claim 4

The device as defined in claim 2 wherein said means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light include: at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light.

Claim 5

The device as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of phase shift induced by the rotation about said predetermined axis include: a detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light, said detector including means to produce an electrical detector output signal indicative of the intensity of said fourth beam of light, and wherein said means for compensating said output of said means for detecting include: electrical circuitry connected to receive said electrical detector output signal and to produce therefrom said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 6

The device as defined in claim 4 wherein said output indicative of phase shift induced by rotation about said predetermined axis is an electrical signal which is fed to said first light beam frequency shifter, said electrical circuitry including: a synchronous demodulator which rectifies and low pass filters and electrical detector output signal and produces a demodulated signal output; an integrator which receives said demodulator signal output and produces therefrom a rotation rate output signal proportional to rotation rate about said predetermined axis; and a controllable oscillator to which is fed said rotation rate output signal which controls the frequency of the output thereof which is said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 7

The device as defined in claim 5 wherein said synchronous demodulator includes: an analog to digital converter which receives said electrical detector output signal in analog form and converts it to digital form; and a sequential subtractor which receives said electrical detector output signal in digital form from said analog to digital converter and passes it in word form to said integrator.

Claim 8

The device as defined in claim 6 wherein said integrator includes: a binary adder/accumulator having a first inlet which receives said electrical detector output signal from said sequential subtractor, an output, and a second input connected to said output thereof.

Claim 9

The device as defined in claim 7 including a binary adder connected to said output of said binary adder/accumulator and producing as an output thereof a rotation rate word.

Claim 10

The device as defined in claim 8 wherein said rotation rate word is fed to a rate integrator to form a rotation position word.

Claim 11

The device as defined in claim 9 wherein said controllable oscillator includes: a digitally controlled frequency synthesizer to which is fed said rotation rate word and which produces therefrom an output whose frequency varies with variations in said rotation rate word; a clock which produces related clock pulses; a single sideband mixer having inputs connected to said output of said digitally controlled frequency synthesizer and said clock and an output; a quadrature ring counter having an input connected to said clock and first and second outputs; a second single sideband mixer having first, second, and third inputs and an output; a first low pass filter connecting said first output of said quadrature ring counter to said first input of said second single sideband mixer; dither means; and a second low pass filter connecting said second output of said quadrature ring counter to said second input of said second single sideband mixer through said dither means, whereby the output of said second single sideband mixer is fed to said frequency shifter.

Claim 12

The device as defined in claim 10 further including: a light source output detector which produces an electrical signal in accordance with the light impinging thereon; a light source monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light onto said light source output detector; and a gain control amplifier positioned between said detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam, and said analog to digital converter, said gain control amplifier being connected to said electrical signal output of said light source output detector and producing as an output to said analog to digital converter said electrical detector output signal of said detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light adjusted for variations in output of said light source.

Claim 13

The device as defined in claim 5 wherein said first light beam frequency shifter is an acousto-optic modulator.

Claim 14

The device as defined in claim 5 wherein said first light beam frequency shifter includes: first and second mirrors positioned to intercept and reflect said second and third beams of light; a retroreflector positioned to intercept and reflect said beam of light from said first mirror to said second mirror and reflect said beam of light from said second mirror to said first mirror; and a piezo-electric crystal upon which said retroreflector is mounted, said piezo-electric crystal being connected to said output signal indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis to move said retroreflector in accordance therewith.

Claim 15

The device as defined in claim 13 including: a retroreflector operation detector for monitoring the operation of said first light beam frequency shifter; and a frequency shifter beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said second and third beams onto said retroreflector operation detector.

Claim 16

The device as defined in claim 4 further including: a light source output detector which produces an electrical signal in accordance with the light impinging thereon; a light source monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light onto said light source output detector; and a connection to feed said electrical signal from said light source output detector to said electrical circuitry where it is used to adjust said electrical detector output signal of said detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light for variations in output of said light source.

Claim 17

The device as defined in claim 15 further including: a frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a frequency monitoring beam; a wide band pass, low finesse etalon positioned in said frequency monitoring beam; and a frequency monitor beam detector positioned to detect said frequency monitoring beam after it has passed through said wide band pass, low finesse etalon to produce an electrical output which varies with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be monitored.

Claim 18

The device as defined in claim 16 including: a second frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a second frequency monitoring beam; a long path length, narrow passband etalon positioned in said second frequency monitoring beam; and a second frequency monitor beam detector positioned to detect said second frequency monitoring beam after it has passed through said long path length narrow passband etalon to produce an electrical output which varies abruptly with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be accurately monitored.

Claim 19

The device as defined in claim 17 wherein said long path length, narrow passband etalon positioned in said second frequency monitoring beam is an optical fiber with partially reflective end surface faces.

Claim 20

The device as defined in claim 15 further including: a frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a frequency monitoring beam; an interference filter positioned in said frequency monitoring beam; and a frequency monitor beam detector positioned to detect said frequency monitoring beam after it has passed through said interference filter, said frequency monitor beam detector producing an electrical output which varies with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be monitored.

Claim 21

The device as defined in claim 19 including: a second frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a second frequency monitoring beam; a long path length, narrow passband etalon positioned in said second frequency monitoring beam; and a second frequency monitor beam detector positioned to detect said second frequency monitoring beam after it has passed through said long path length narrow passband etalon to produce an electrical output which varies abruptly with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be accurately monitored.

Claim 22

The device as defined in claim 20 wherein said long path length, narrow passband etalon is an optical fiber with partially reflective end surface faces.

Claim 23

The device as defined in claim 15 further including: a frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a frequency monitoring beam; an optical grating positioned to reflect said frequency monitoring beam at an angle which is dependent upon the frequency of said first beam of light; and a frequency monitor, beam position sensitive, detector positioned to detect the position of said frequency monitoring beam after it has been reflected by said optical grating, said frequency monitor, beam position sensitive detector producing an electrical output which varies with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be monitored.

Claim 24

The device as defined in claim 2 wherein said light source includes spacial filter means through which said first beam of light passes as said first beam of light passes toward said means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light, said device further including: first and second lenses adjacent said first and second ends of said fiber to direct said second and third beams of light onto said fiber ends, said first and second lenses being positioned to refocus said second and third beams of light onto said fiber ends, whereby any of said beams directed back toward said light source are at least partially blocked by said spatial filter means.

Claim 25

The device as defined in claim 2 further including: a toroidal winding positioned about said coil of optical fiber; means to cause suitable current to flow in said toroidal winding to cause about a 45° one way polarization rotation to occur within said coil of optical fiber; a polarizing beam splitter positioned in the pathway of said first beam of light, said polarizing beam splitter being positioned so that any light traveling toward said light source is reflected by said polarizing beam splitter away from said light source.

Claim 26

The device defined in claim 24 further including an absorber, said absorber being positioned so that any light traveling toward said light source and reflected by said polarizer beam splitter away from said light source is reflected onto said absorber.

Claim 27

The device as defined in claim 2 wherein said coil of optical fiber is cylindrical and has an about equal number of windings spiraling in one direction along said predetermined axis as in the opposite direction along said predetermined axis, said windings spiraling with the same rotation direction about said predetermined axis.

Claim 28

The device as defined in claim 2 wherein said coil of optical fiber includes magnetic shielding thereabout whereby said magnetic shielding prevents possible extraneous nonreciprocal phase shifts being induced by stray magnetic fields.

Claim 29

The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light include means to introduce a phase dither in said second and third beams of light.

Claim 30

The device as defined in claim 28 wherein said means to introduce a phase dither in said second and third beams of light introduces a sine wave phase dither.

Claim 31

The device as defined in claim 28 wherein said means to introduce a phase dither in said second and third beams of light introduces a switching phase dither.

Claim 32

The device as defined in claim 28 wherein said means establishing a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams of light about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured include an optical fiber, and wherein said means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift include piezoelectric means connected to apply force to said optical fiber.

Claim 33

The device as defined in claim 28 wherein said means to introduce a phase dither in said second and third beams of light include an optical fiber through which said second and third beams of light pass and means to apply force to said optical fiber.

Claim 34

The device as defined in claim 32 wherein said means to apply force to said optical fiber include piezoelectric means connected to said fiber.

Claim 35

The device as defined in claim 33 wherein said optical fiber has a side surface connected to said piezoelectric means.

Claim 36

The device as defined in claim 2 wherein at least one of said ends of said optical fiber include: a ferrule to which said optical fiber end is attached, said ferrule having an end surface thereon at a non-right angle to said optical fiber therein.

Claim 37

The device as defined in claim 35 wherein said ferrule includes: a cavity of index matching fluid about said end of said optical fiber; and an optical window forming said ferrule end surface and closing said cavity.

Claim 38

The device as defined in claim 35 wherein said ferrule end surface is an optical window to which said end of said optical fiber is cemented.

Claim 39

The device as defined in claim 35 wherein said at least one of said ends of said optical fiber forms a portion of said ferrule end surface.

Claim 40

The device defined in claim 2 wherein said means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift include piezoelectric means connected to apply force to said optical fiber.

Claim 41

The device as defined in claim 3 wherein said second beam of light has a polarization in a first predetermined direction, said device further including: a polarizing beam splitter positioned and oriented in said second beam of light so that said second beam of light can pass out thereof in a first predetermined direction, said light beam frequency shifter being positioned in said second beam of light after said second beam of light has passed out of said polarizing beam splitter in said first predetermined direction, said second beam passed out of said polarizing beam splitter having zero-order and first-order portions, the zero-order and first-order portions of said second beam of light thereafter going in different directions; a quarter-wave plate positioned in said second beam of light after said second beam of light has passed through said light beam frequency shifter and oriented 45° from said first predetermined direction of polarization to convert the polarization of said second beam of light to circular polarization; means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said second beam of light once it has passed through said quarter-wave plate; and means to reflect said first-order portion of said second beam of light back through said quarter-wave plate, said frequency shifter, and said polarizing beam splitter whereby the effect of beam deflection of said frequency shifter is suppressed.

Claim 42

The device as defined in claim 40 wherein said means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said second beam of light once it has passed through said first quarter-wave plate include a positive lens; and wherein said means to reflect said first-order portion of said second beam of light back through said first quarter-wave plate, said first frequency shifter, and said first polarizing beam splitter include a plane mirror having a well defined edge positioned so that said well defined edge is positioned between said zero-order and first-order portions of said second beam of light.

Claim 43

The device as defined in claim 40 wherein said means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said second beam of light once it has passed through said first quarter-wave plate include a positive lens; and wherein said means to reflect said first-order portion of said second beam of light back through said first quarter-wave plate, said first frequency shifter, and said first polarizing beam splitter include a mirror positioned to reflect said first-order portion of said second beam of light, said mirror having a stop positioned in the path of said zero-order portion of said second beam of light.

Claim 44

The device as defined in claim 3 wherein said first light beam frequency shifter includes an optical fiber positioned in said counterpropagating light path and a piezoelectric element connected to apply force thereto to induce nonreciprocal phase shift in light in said counterpropagating light paths.

Claim 45

The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said light source is a laser.

Claim 46

The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said light source is a laser diode.

Claim 47

The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

Claim 48

The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light include two optical fibers partially fused together to form an evanescent light coupling.

Claim 49

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including: at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; and a second frequency shifter, said first frequency shifter being positioned between said means for splitting and recombining and said first fiber end, and said second frequency shifter being positioned between said means for splitting and recombining and said second fiber end; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 50

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including: at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; and a second frequency shifter, said first frequency shifter being positioned between said means for splitting and recombining and said first fiber end, and said second frequency shifter being positioned between said means for splitting and recombining and said second fiber end; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 51

The device as defined in claim 48 wherein said second and third beams of light have polarization in predetermined directions, said device further including: a first polarizing beam splitter positioned and oriented in said second beam of light so that said second beam of light can pass out thereof in a first predetermined direction, said first light beam frequency shifter being positioned in said second beam of light after said second beam of light has passed out of said first polarizing beam splitter in said first predetermined direction, said second beam passed out of said polarizing beam splitter having zero-order and first-order portions, the zero-order and first-order portions of said second beam of light thereafter going in different directions; a first quarter-wave plate positioned in said second beam of light after said second beam of light has passed through said first light beam frequency shifter and oriented 45° from said first predetermined direction of polarization to convert the polarization of said second beam of light to circular polarization; first means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said second beam of light once it has passed through said first quarter-wave plate; first means to reflect said first-order portion of said second beam of light back through said first quarter-wave plate, said first frequency shifter, and said first polarizing beam splitter; a second polarizing beam splitter positioned and oriented in said third beam of light so that said third beam of light can pass out thereof in a first predetermined direction, said second light beam frequency shifter being positioned in said third beam of light after said third beam of light has passed out of said second polarizing beam splitter in said first predetermined direction, the zero-order and first-order portions of said third beam of light thereafter going in different directions; a second quarter-wave plate positioned in said third beam of light after said third beam of light has passed through said second light beam frequency shifter and oriented 45° from said first predetermined direction of polarization to convert the polarization of said third beam of light to circular polarization; second means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said third beam of light once it has passed through said second quarter-wave plate; and second means to reflect said first-order portion of said third beam of light back through said second quarter-wave plate, said second frequency shifter, and said second polarizing beam splitter, whereby the effects of beam deflection of said frequency shifters are suppressed.

Claim 52

The device as defined in claim 49 wherein said first and second means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said second and third beams of light once they have passed through said first and second quarter-wave plates each include a lens; and wherein said first means to reflect said first-order portion of said second and third beams of light back through said first and second quarter-wave plates, said first and second frequency shifters, and said first and second polarizing beam splitters each include a plane mirror having a well defined edge positioned so that said well defined edge is positioned between said zero-order and first-order portions of said beam of light.

Claim 53

The device as defined in claim 49 wherein said first and second means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said second and third beams of light once they have passed through said first and second quarter-wave plates each include a lens; and wherein said first means to reflect said first-order portion of said second and third beams of light back through said first and second quarter-wave plates, said first and second frequency shifters, and said first and second polarizing beam splitters each include a mirror positioned to reflect said first-order portion of said beam of light, said mirror having a stop positioned in the path of said zero-order portion of said beam of light.

Claim 54

The device as defined in claim 48 wherein said first and second frequency shifters are operated at a common center frequency f c and a fixed frequency bias f b of a magnitude sufficient to induce a phase change of π between said second and third beams of light whereby a dark fringe is directed back to said light source and a light fringe is directed to said means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 55

The device as defined in claim 52 wherein said first and second frequency shifters are positioned symmetrically with respect to said first and second fiber coil ends whereby any light which is fed back to said light source will have been shifted by 2f c to strongly reduce feedback noise.

Claim 56

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis including: a detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light, said detector including means to produce an electrical detector output signal indicative of the intensity of said fourth beam of light; and electrical circuitry connected to receive said electrical detector output signal and to produce therefrom said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis, wherein said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis is an electrical signal which is fed to said first light beam frequency shifter, said electrical circuitry including: a synchronous demodulator which rectifies and low pass filters said electrical detector output signal and produces a demodulator signal output; an integrator which receives said demodulator signal output and produces therefrom a rotation rate output signal proportional to rotation rate about said predetermined axis; and a controllable oscillator to which is fed said rotation rate output signal which controls the frequency of the output thereof which is said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 57

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis including: a detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light, said detector including means to produce an electrical detector output signal indicative of the intensity of said fourth beam of light; and electrical circuitry connected to receive said electrical detector output signal and to produce therefrom said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis, wherein said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis is an electrical signal which is fed to said first light beam frequency shifter, said electrical circuitry including: a synchronous demodulator which rectifies and low pass filters said electrical detector output signal and produces a demodulator signal output; an integrator which receives said demodulator signal output and produces therefrom a rotation rate output signal proportional to rotation rate about said predetermined axis; and a controllable oscillator to which is fed said rotation rate output signal which controls the frequency of the output thereof which is said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 58

The device as defined in claim 54 wherein said first frequency shifter is an acousto-optic modulator.

Claim 59

The device as defined in claim 54 wherein said first frequency shifter includes: first and second mirrors positioned to intercept and reflect said beams of light; a retroreflector positioned to intercept and reflect said beam of light from said first mirror to said second mirror and reflect said beam of light from said second mirror to said first mirror; and a piezo-electric crystal upon which said retroreflector is mounted, said piezo-electric crystal being connected to said output signal indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis to move said retroreflector in accordance therewith.

Claim 60

The device as defined in claim 54 wherein said synchronous demodulator includes: an analog to digital converter which receives said electrical detector output signal in analog form and converts it to digital form; and a sequential subtractor which receives said electrical detector output signal in digital form from said analog to digital converter and passes it in word form to said integrator.

Claim 61

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams including a optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends, at least one of said ends of said optical fiber including a ferrule to which said optical fiber end is attached, said ferrule having an end surface thereon at a non-right angle to said optical fiber therein, and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 62

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams including a optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends, at least one of said ends of said optical fiber including a ferrule to which said optical fiber end is attached, said ferrule having an end surface thereon at a non-right angle to said optical fiber therein, and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 63

The device as defined in claim 58 wherein said ferrule includes: a cavity of index matching fluid about said end of said optical fiber; and an optical window forming said ferrule end surface and closing said cavity.

Claim 64

The device as defined in claim 58 wherein said ferrule end surface is an optical window to which said end of said optical fiber is cemented.

Claim 65

The device as defined in claim 58 wherein said at least one end of said optical fiber forms a portion of said ferrule and surface.

Claim 66

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis including: a detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light, said detector including means to produce an electrical detector output signal indicative of the intensity of said fourth beam of light; and electrical circuitry connected to receive said electrical detector output signal and to produce therefrom said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis; a light source output detector which produces an electrical signal in accordance with the light impinging thereon; a light source monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light onto said light source output detector; a connection to feed said electrical signal from said light source output detector to said electrical circuitry where it is used to adjust said electrical detector output signal of said detector positioned to intercept said fourth beams of light for variations in output of said light source; a frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a frequency monitoring beam; a wide band pass, low finesse etalon positioned in said frequency monitoring beam; and a frequency monitor beam detector positioned to detect said frequency monitoring beam after it has passed through said wide band pass, low finesse etalon to produce an electrical output which varies with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be monitored.

Claim 67

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis including: a detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light, said detector including means to produce an electrical detector output signal indicative of the intensity of said fourth beam of light; and electrical circuitry connected to receive said electrical detector output signal and to produce therefrom said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis; a light source output detector which produces an electrical signal in accordance with the light impinging thereon; a light source monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light onto said light source output detector; a connection to feed said electrical signal from said light source output detector to said electrical circuitry where it is used to adjust said electrical detector output signal of said detector positioned to intercept said fourth beams of light for variations in output of said light source; a frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a frequency monitoring beam; a wide band pass, low finesse etalon positioned in said frequency monitoring beam; and a frequency monitor beam detector positioned to detect said frequency monitoring beam after it has passed through said wide band pass, low finesse etalon to produce an electrical output which varies with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be monitored.

Claim 68

The device as defined in claim 62 including: a second frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a second frequency monitoring beam; a long path length narrow passband etalon positioned in said second frequency monitoring beam; and a second frequency monitor beam detector positioned to detect said second frequency monitoring beam after it has passed through said long path length narrow passband etalon to produce an electrical output which varies abruptly with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be accurately monitored.

Claim 69

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis including: a detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light, said detector including means to produce an electrical detector output signal indicative of the intensity of said fourth beam of light; and electrical circuitry connected to receive said electrical detector output signal and to produce therefrom said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis; a light source output detector which produces an electrical signal in accordance with the light impinging thereon; a light source monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light onto said light source output detector; a connection to feed said electrical signal from said light source output detector to said electrical circuitry where it is used to adjust said electrical detector output signal of said detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light for variations in output of said light source; a frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a frequency monitoring beam; an interference filter positioned in said frequency monitoring beam; and a frequency monitor beam detector positioned to detect said frequency monitoring beam after it has past through said interference filter, said frequency monitor beam detector producing an electrical output which varies with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be monitored.

Claim 70

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis including: a detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light, said detector including means to produce an electrical detector output signal indicative of the intensity of said fourth beam of light; and electrical circuitry connected to receive said electrical detector output signal and to produce therefrom said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis; a light source output detector which produces an electrical signal in accordance with the light impinging thereon; a light source monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light onto said light source output detector; a connection to feed said electrical signal from said light source output detector to said electrical circuitry where it is used to adjust said electrical detector output signal of said detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light for variations in output of said light source; a frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a frequency monitoring beam; an interference filter positioned in said frequency monitoring beam; and a frequency monitor beam detector positioned to detect said frequency monitoring beam after it has past through said interference filter, said frequency monitor beam detector producing an electrical output which varies with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be monitored.

Claim 71

The device as defined in claim 64 including: a second frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a second frequency monitoring beam; a long path length narrow passband etalon positioned in said second frequency monitoring beam; and a second frequency monitor beam detector positioned to detect said second frequency monitoring beam after it has passed through said long path length narrow passband etalon to produce an electrical output which varies abruptly with the frequency of said first beam whereby the frequency of said light source can be accurately monitored.

Claim 72

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis including: a detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light, said detector including means to produce an electrical detector output signal indicative of the intensity of said forth beam of light; and electrical circuitry connected to receive said electrical detector output signal and to produce therefrom said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis; a light source output detector which produces an electrical signal in accordance with the light impinging thereon; a light source monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light onto said light source output detector; a connection to feed said electrical signal from said light source output detector to said electrical circuitry where it is used to adjust said electrical detector output signal of said detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light for variations in output of said light source; a frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a frequency monitoring beam; an optical grating positioned to reflect said frequency monitoring beam at an angle which is dependent upon the frequency of said first beam of light; and a frequency monitor, beam position sensitive, detector positioned to detect the position of said frequency monitoring beam after it has been reflected by said optical grating, said frequency monitor beam position sensitive detector producing an electrical output which varies with the frequency of said first beam wherey the frequency of said light source can be monitored.

Claim 73

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis including: a detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light, said detector including means to produce an electrical detector output signal indicative of the intensity of said forth beam of light; and electrical circuitry connected to receive said electrical detector output signal and to produce therefrom said output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis; a light source output detector which produces an electrical signal in accordance with the light impinging thereon; a light source monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light onto said light source output detector; a connection to feed said electrical signal from said light source output detector to said electrical circuitry where it is used to adjust said electrical detector output signal of said detector positioned to intercept said fourth beam of light for variations in output of said light source; a frequency monitor beam splitter positioned to intercept and split a portion of said first beam of light into a frequency monitoring beam; an optical grating positioned to reflect said frequency monitoring beam at an angle which is dependent upon the frequency of said first beam of light; and a frequency monitor, beam position sensitive, detector positioned to detect the position of said frequency monitoring beam after it has been reflected by said optical grating, said frequency monitor beam position sensitive detector producing an electrical output which varies with the frequency of said first beam wherey the frequency of said light source can be monitored.

Claim 74

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light said second beam of light having a polarization in a first predetermined direction; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis; a polarizing beam splitter positioned and oriented in said second beam of light so that said second beam of light can pass out thereof in a first predetermined direction, said light beam frequency shifter being positioned in said second beam of light after said second beam of light has passed out of said polarizing beam splitter in said first predetermined direction, said second beam passed out of said polarizing beam splitter having zero-order and first-order portions, the zero-order and first-order portions of said second beam of light thereafter going in different directions; a quarter-wave plate positioned in said second beam of light after said second beam of light has passed through said light beam frequency shifter and oriented 45° from said first predetermined direction of polarization to convert the polarization of said second beam of light to circular polarization; means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said second beam of light once it has passed through said quarter-wave plate; and means to reflect said first-order portion of said second beam of light back through said quarter-wave plate, said frequency shifter, and said polarizing beam splitter whereby the effect of beam deflection of said frequency shifter is suppressed.

Claim 75

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light said second beam of light having a polarization in a first predetermined direction; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light; means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis; a polarizing beam splitter positioned and oriented in said second beam of light so that said second beam of light can pass out thereof in a first predetermined direction, said light beam frequency shifter being positioned in said second beam of light after said second beam of light has passed out of said polarizing beam splitter in said first predetermined direction, said second beam passed out of said polarizing beam splitter having zero-order and first-order portions, the zero-order and first-order portions of said second beam of light thereafter going in different directions; a quarter-wave plate positioned in said second beam of light after said second beam of light has passed through said light beam frequency shifter and oriented 45° from said first predetermined direction of polarization to convert the polarization of said second beam of light to circular polarization; means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said second beam of light once it has passed through said quarter-wave plate; and means to reflect said first-order portion of said second beam of light back through said quarter-wave plate, said frequency shifter, and said polarizing beam splitter whereby the effect of beam deflection of said frequency shifter is suppressed.

Claim 76

The device as defined in claim 67 wherein said means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said second beam of light once it has passed through said first quarter-wave plate include a positive lens; and wherein said means to reflect said first-order portion of said second beam of light back through said first quarter-wave plate, said first frequency shifter, and said first polarizing beam splitter include a plane mirror having a well defined edge positioned so that said well defined edge is positioned between said zero-order and first-order portions of said second beam of light.

Claim 77

The device as defined in claim 67 wherein said means to change the wavefront radius of curvature of said second beam of light once it has passed through said first quarter-wave plate include a positive lens; and wherein said means to reflect said first-order portion of said second beam of light back through said first quarter-wave plate, said first frequency shifter, and said first polarizing beam splitter include a mirror positioned to reflect said first-order portion of said second beam of light, said mirror having a stop positioned in the path of said zero-order portion of said second beam of light.

Claim 78

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams including an optical fiber; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including piezoelectric means connected to apply force to said optical fiber and means to introduce a phase dither in said second and third beams of light; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 79

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams including an optical fiber; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including piezoelectric means connected to apply force to said optical fiber and means to introduce a phase dither in said second and third beams of light; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 80

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including means to introduce a phase dither in said second and third beams of light which include an optical fiber through which said second and third beams of light pass and means to apply force to said optical fiber; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 81

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including means to introduce a phase dither in said second and third beams of light which include an optical fiber through which said second and third beams of light pass and means to apply force to said optical fiber; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 82

The device as defined in claim 71 wherein said means to apply force to said optical fiber include piezoelectric means connected to said fiber.

Claim 83

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including piezoelectric means connected to apply force to said optical fiber; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 84

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including piezoelectric means connected to apply force to said optical fiber; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 85

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light wherein said first light beam frequency shifter includes an optical fiber positioned in said counterpropagating light path and a piezoelectric element connected to apply force thereto to induce nonreciprocal phase shift in light in said counterpropagating light paths; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.

Claim 86

An optical device for determining rotation including: a light source which produces a first beam of light; means for splitting said first beam of light into at least second and third beams of light and recombining said second and third beams into a fourth beam of light; means for directing said second and third beams of light in opposite directions along a path about a predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured to establish a counterpropagating light path for said second and third beams, including: an optical fiber wound in a coil about said predetermined axis about which the rotation is to be measured, said optical fiber having first and second ends; and means for applying said second and third beams of light to said first and second fiber ends respectively; means capable of varying nonreciprocal phase shift between said second and third beams of light positioned in said second and third beams of light including at least a first light beam frequency shifter positioned in said counterpropagating light path to introduce and vary nonreciprocal phase shift in said second and third beams of light wherein said first light beam frequency shifter includes an optical fiber positioned in said counterpropagating light path and a piezoelectric element connected to apply force thereto to induce nonreciprocal phase shift in light in said counterpropagating light paths; and means for detecting said fourth beam of light and producing therefrom an output indicative of the rotation about said predetermined axis.