A rotation sensor based on alkali-metal vapor cell

摘要

Accurate rotation sensors are highly demanded in both industrial applications and academic research. We experimentally demonstrate an angle measurement method based on an alkali-metal vapor cell. In our experiment, the rotation signal is converted to the polarization of the laser beam passing through a quarter-wave plate coaxially mounted on a detected object. The polarization is then measured by monitoring the transmission of the laser beam through the vapor cell. Using this method, we demonstrate an angle measurement sensitivity of 2 x 10-5 degrees / root Hz without a magnetic shield. The results shown in this paper provide a prototype of the angle measurement with high accuracy, compactness, and low cost. Published by AIP Publishing.