Optical Feedback Stabilization of Laser Diodes for Passive Resonance Ring Laser Gyro Applications

摘要

Reduced cost, greater reliability, and compatibility with integrated optics are some of the advantages gained by incorporating semiconductor lasers into the design of passive resonant ring laser gyroscopes (PRRLG). Unfortunately, the large spectral linewidth typical of semiconductor lasers greatly limits the sensitivity of such a configuration. This research details the modification of a laser diode to obtain a stable, single mode, narrow spectral output. Optical feedback configuration compatible with the input optics to a PRRLG was designed. Spectral narrowing and modal dynamics of the external coupled cavity laser were measured. By temperature stabilization and optical feedback a free running linewidth of 60 Mhz was reduced to below 13 Mhz and was maintained in a single mode for 20 minutes or more. Keywords: Semiconductor lasers; Passive resonant ring laser gyros; Frequency stabilization; Spectral linewidth narrowing; Thesis.