Exploring Mode Hopping Performance of a Prism Laser Gyro

Abstract

In view of the poor mode hopping performance of prism laser gyros, the mode hopping performance of a prism laser gyro is systematically studied. A mathematical model of frequency stabilization actuating mechanism is established, and the mode hopping is analyzed theoretically. The functional relation between the incremental voltage of the mode hopping and its temperature and starting voltage is given, and the phenomenon that the gyro's pulses fluctuate greatly in the process of mode hopping is eliminated. The open closed-loop scanning mode of the prism laser gyro is further studied. The experimental results show that the shallow light limiting mode causes the competition between two longitudinal modes, resulting in the gyro's pulse hopping. Without changing the optical limiting parameters of the resonator, adjusting the light intensity reference voltage or feedback loop pre-amplification gain can make the open closed-loop scanning mode performance appropriate and avoid the gyro's pulse hopping. The analysis result improves the precision of the gyro, reduces the rework rate of the resonator and improves the production efficiency of the gyro.

Keywords

• laser optics
• prism laser gyro
• mode hopping
• scanning mode