Mz Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyroscope Key Technologies

In this paper, the history and developing trends of fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) are discussed. A new kind of interferometric FOG (IFOG) based on Mach-zehnder interferometric principles (MZ-IFOG) is studied. Different with the traditional IFOG, light beams within MZ-IFOG transmit along the forward direction, which avoid the Kerr effect noise and the interferometric noises brought by the backward scattering and reflecting light. MZ-IFOG also gains a high using efficiency of light source and a strong output signal. The principle of MZ-IFOG is analyzed. Comparison between MZ-IFOG and the traditional IFOGs is made. The theoretical analysis shows that MZ-IFOG can be used to detect the rotation rate of moving objects.A systematic analysis of transfer characteristics of MZ-IFOG is made. Performance-limiting factors, including the path-length difference, the disturbance of temperature fluctuation and stress from working environment, the quality of light source, are all discussed along with methods to reduce their effect on the output signal. A simple testing structure of MZ-IFOG is proposed.The main components, including the fiber coil, DFB laser source, PZT optical phase modulator and photodetector receiver, are theoretically discussed and practically designed. The testing MZ-IFOG system test is constructed, its path-length difference is measured, and methods to improve its stability are adopted. The principle of MZ-IFOG is testified by the experiment, MZ-IFOG system works.Finally, this paper points out the next step and direction to improve the performance of MZ-IFOG, a novel IFOG system which has the potential of medium or low performance with a low price.