A table-top high-sensitivity gyroscope based on slow light and cavity enhanced photon drag

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical design for a compact, high-sensitivity gyroscope using slow light and photon drag in a dielectric cavity, capable of detecting Earth's rotation variations and testing fundamental physics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method employing photon drag and slow light in a small cavity to significantly enhance gyroscope sensitivity beyond previous portable devices.

Findings

Achieves a rotation sensitivity of 26 frad/s/√Hz in theory.

Uses a 20 cm Fabry-Pérot cavity with Er-doped glass.

Demonstrates potential for detecting Earth's rotation changes and testing relativity.

Abstract

A high-sensitivity gyroscope is vital for both investigation of the fundamental physics and monitor of the subtle variation of Earth's behaviors. However, it is challenge to realize a portable gyroscope with sensitivity approaching a small fraction of the Earth's rotation rate. Here, we theoretically propose a method for implementing a table-top gyroscope with remarkably high sensitivity based on photon drag in a rotating dielectric object. By inserting an $\text{Er}^{3+}$-doped glass rod in a Fabry-P\'{e}rot optical cavity with only 20 cm length, we theoretically show that the giant group refractive index and the narrowing cavity linewidth due to slow light can essentially increase the nonreciprocal phase shift due to the photon drag to achieve a rotation sensitivity of $26$ frad/s/$\sqrt{Hz}$. This work paves the way to accurately detect tiny variations of the Earth's rotation rate and orientation, and even can test the geodetic and frame-dragging effects predicted by the general relativity with a small-volume equipment.