AN INTEGRATED-OPTICAL RING PASSIVE RESONATOR FOR LIGHT GYROSCOPES

A ring passive resonator has been developed and studied which utilizes optical channel waveguides formed on a K8 glass substrate by the method of diffusion ion exchange in the potassium nitrate melt. The resonator waveguide structure contains a ring waveguide and two Y-shaped splitters the symmetrical arms of which are coupled with the ring waveguide and homogeneous arms - with an external laser and photodetector. Coupling between external devices and channel waveguides was implemented by means of coupling prisms and end joints. Experiments have been performed on measurement of the sharpness and the transfer function of the ring resonator which illustrates its resonant properties. The ultimate sensitivity of the light gyroscope has been estimated and ways for its improvement have been envisaged.