Optical fiber gyroscopes in high performance systems

Attention is given to the limitations imposed by coherent backscatter when using a source with a long coherence length; the drift introduced by coherent backscatter may be considered in terms of first- and second-order effects. It is presently demonstrated that the noise levels from these can be reduced to the levels required for inertial grade gyroscope applications by means of careful control of components. Either gas or semiconductor lasers may be employed.