Superluminal Ultrasensitive Optical Gyroscope in an Inverted Double-Raman Lambda System

ORAL

Abstract

The probe field in an inverted double-Raman lambda atomic system experiences a gain along with a negative dispersion. We show in this talk how a critical negative dispersion can lead to a dramatic enhancement in the sensitivity to cavity length change --- induced by rotation, for example --- for a ring laser employing this gain. The critical anomalous dispersion enhances the lasing frequency shift by as much as five orders of magnitude when compared to a conventional ring laser with the same dimensions. We show how a careful selection of the experimental parameters, such as strengths of the two controlling fields, can lead to the critical dispersion of interest. We also describe how such a laser can be used to realize a superluminal ring laser gyroscope with highly enhanced sensitivity. Finally, we describe our experimental efforts toward realizing such a superluminal ring laser using a rubidium vapor cell and dual frequency Raman pumps.

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Authors

  • Tony Abi-Salloum

    Physics and Astronomy Dept. Widener University, Chester, Pa. 19013, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA

  • Ye Wang

    Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Northwestern University, Department of EECS, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA

  • Joshua Yablon

    Department of EECS, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA

  • Shih Tseng

    Department of EECS, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA

  • Zifan Zhou

    Department of EECS, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA

  • Selim Shahriar

    Northwestern University, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of EECS, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208