Abstract

The possibility to use a phase-conjugate mirror to improve the sensibility of passive optical gyros has been considered by Bordé [1] and by Mc. Michael and Yeh [2]. We explore here another possibility where the phase conjugate medium is placed inside a ring cavity and where the pump power is sufficient to induce a self oscillation of the cavity [3]. We show that such a system can be used as an active optical gyro and that an optical activation can here replace the usual mechanical activation.

© 1988 Optical Society of America