Performance of a resonator-based interferometric fiber-optic gyroscope under the square wave phase bias modulation

We propose the modulation period and amplitude of the typical square wave phase bias modulation (SWPBM) applicable to a resonator-based interferometric fiber-optic gyroscope (R-IFOG) and theoretically study the performance of the R-IFOG under SWPBM. Under SWPBM of the proposed modulation period and amplitude, the R-IFOG possesses a performance distinct from that under the hypothetical time-independent phase bias. Also, the sensitivity of the R-IFOG with SWPBM to a slow rotation rate is boosted in comparison to that without phase bias, and the rotation direction can be indicated. Furthermore, the ultrahigh sensitivity can be attained by an R-IFOG of an extremely short fiber length when the R-IFOG with SWPBM consists of a high finesse resonator. Therefore, the SWPBM of the proposed modulation period and amplitude enables highly sensitive and compact integrated closed-loop R-IFOGs. (C) 2014 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)