Optical Feedback Stabilization of Laser Diodes for Passive Resonance Ring Laser Gyro Applications.

Abstract

Reduced cost, greater reliability, and compatibility with integrated optics are some of the advantages gained by incorporating semiconductor lasers into the design of passive resonant ring laser gyroscopes (PRRLG). Unfortunately, the large spectral linewidth typical of semiconductor lasers greatly limits the sensitivity of such a configuration. This research details the modification of a laser diode to obtain a stable, single mode, narrow spectral output. Optical feedback configuration compatible with the input optics to a PRRLG was designed. Spectral narrowing and modal dynamics of the external coupled cavity laser were measured. By temperature stabilization and optical feedback a free running linewidth of 60 Mhz was reduced to below 13 Mhz and was maintained in a single mode for 20 minutes or more. Keywords: Semiconductor lasers; Passive resonant ring laser gyros; Frequency stabilization; Spectral linewidth narrowing; Thesis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA163942

Entities

People

  • Daniel J. Stech

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Detectors
  • Frequency
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Diodes
  • Laser Mediums
  • Laser Resonators
  • Lasers
  • Light (Electromagnetic Radiation)
  • Light Sources
  • Masers
  • Optics
  • Refractive Index
  • Resonance
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Ring Lasers
  • Semiconductor Lasers
  • Semiconductors

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Inertial Navigation Systems.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems