Investigation of Experimental and Theoretical Challenges for Developing Superluminal Sensors
Abstract
The sensitivity of a Superluminal Ring Laser (SRL) to a change in the cavity length can benearly a million times higher than that of a conventional ring laser. This effect can be used torealize extremely precise Superluminal Ring Laser Gyroscopes and Accelerometers (SRLGAs).Three SRLGAs can be used to measure rotations and accelerations for all three axes, thusrealizing a Superluminal Inertial Measurement Unit (SIMU). Even a compact SIMU can bemore sensitive than the best IMUs that are much larger and unsuitable for small platforms. Aminiaturized SIMU can thus make it possible to provide navigation and guidance capabilitiesunder GPS denied conditions for many platforms. SRL based sensors can also be used formeasuring, with far more precision than what is possible with current technologies, otherparameters of interest, including strain, temperature, pressure and magnetic field. However,some important scientific challenges need to be addressed, theoretically and experimentally,before the full potential for the SRL technology can be realized. Here, we propose to carry out asystematic study, theoretically as well as experimentally, to address these challenges.Specifically, we will develop a rigorous theoretical model for the Schwalow-Townes Linewidth(STL) of the superluminal ring laser using master equations, Langevin force operators, and aquantum mechanical finite division time domain propagator. We will also determineexperimentally the STL of an SRL via the use of Integrated Photonic Technology for enhancingrobustness and stability. The IPT based chip will contain the lasers, modulators, detectors andwaveguides optimized for Rb wavelengths, and coupled to a dual-chamber vapor cell to realizethe SRL. Furthermore, we will develop a comprehensive semi-classical model for the Rb-basedSRL.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 11, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810401
Entities
People
- Mohamd Selim Shahriar
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Northwestern University
- United States Air Force