Abstract: A fiber optic sensing coil formed in a polarization-maintaining optical fiber has two optical fiber leads extending therefrom. A multifunction integrated optics chip linearly polarizes optical signals input to the sensing coil. Fiber optic leads formed of polarization-maintaining optical fiber extend from the multifunction integrated optics chip. The fiber optic multifunction integrated optics chip leads are arranged such that the linear polarization of optical signals output from the multifunction integrated optics chip is directed along one of the principal axes of birefringence of each of the fiber optic multifunction integrated optics chip leads. Splices are formed between corresponding the first sensing coil leads and the multifunction integrated optics chip leads. The sensing coil leads and the multifunction integrated optics chip leads are arranged such that their corresponding principal axes of birefringence are at angles of approximately 45.degree. relative to one another.

Abstract: A length of an absorbing optical fiber is connected to receive light output from an optically pumped light source. The light source includes a gain fiber that is doped with erbium. Pumping the erbium with a pump wavelength of 980 nm causes the erbium to emit light having a wavelength of 1550 nm. Ytterbium ions in the absorbing fiber attenuate light having the pump wavelength without affecting the intensity of the 1550 nm light output from the erbium in the gain fiber.

Abstract: A rare-earth doped glass waveguide is optically pumped to produce superfluorescent light. The waveguide is formed in a glass substrate. The pump light is input to a first end of the optical waveguide, and the output is emitted from the other end. A grating formed on the waveguide near the output end reflects the pump light to separate the pump light from the output light.