Abstract: An optical gyroscope and a method for measuring an angular velocity of rotation are described. A closed-path optical cavity is configured for receiving at least a first optical signal circulating as at least one cavity mode of pre-determined orientation (inside the optical cavity. An extractor in optical communication with the optical cavity is configured for extracting a fraction of at least the circulating first optical signal from the optical cavity, wherein an amplitude of the extracted fraction increases when a resonance condition for the optical cavity in optical communication with the extractor is approached. A readout channel included in the optical gyroscope comprises an interferometric device adapted to spectrally modify the extracted fraction so as to produce a spectral Vernier effect. A difference between free spectral ranges of the interferometric device and the optical cavity is larger than the associated spectral widths.

Abstract: An optical gyroscope and a method for measuring an angular velocity of rotation are described. A closed-path optical cavity is configured for receiving at least a first optical signal circulating as at least one cavity mode of pre-determined orientation (inside the optical cavity. An extractor in optical communication with the optical cavity is configured for extracting a fraction of at least the circulating first optical signal from the optical cavity, wherein an amplitude of the extracted fraction increases when a resonance condition for the optical cavity in optical communication with the extractor is approached. A readout channel included in the optical gyroscope comprises an interferometric device adapted to spectrally modify the extracted fraction so as to produce a spectral Vernier effect. A difference between free spectral ranges of the interferometric device and the optical cavity is larger than the associated spectral widths.