Sensitivity limitation by polarization and birefraction in IORG

Integrated optical resonance gyroscope (IORG), with the ring resonator fabricated by micro-techniques, has the advantage of miniaturization, integration, and low cost. Theoretical calculation shows its potential ability in getting high sensitivity. However, the current IORG sensitivity is restricted by optical parasitical noises aggravated by involving high coherent laser source. Polarization fluctuation is one of the dominant noise sources in waveguide resonator. The effect on polarization noise in IORG by three main parameters: state of polarization of the input light, polarization-maintaining quality of the waveguide, and temperature fluctuation of the peripheral environment, has been theoretically analyzed and experimentally tested. An improved layout, with a Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) acting as both modulator and polarizer, is presented to suppress the polarization noise in IORG. The results show that the bias instability of IORG caused by polarization noise is greatly reduced from 1.57°/s to 0.005°/s.