VCSEL enabled active resonator gyroscope
US8319973B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/1264
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A interferometric optical gyroscope includes an active resonator comprising a half cavity vertical cavity surface emitting laser (half-VCSEL) operating as one of the mirrors that form the ring resonator. The half-VCSEL includes a bottom mirror stack and active layers formed on the bottom mirror stack and has a surface opposite the bottom mirror stack. Lack of a top mirror stack typically found in a VCSEL prevents the half-VCSEL from lasing, thus the half-VCSEL forms a reflective amplifier for the light circulating in the resonator. A single or multiple external light sources can be used to induce two counter-propagating beams in the resonator. Higher finesse due to the internal gain in the resonator enhances the sensitivity of the gyroscope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.