Analysis and observation of coupling ratio dependence of Rayleigh backscattering noise in a fiber optic gyroscope

Noise due to Rayleigh backscattering in a fiber-optic gyroscope is observed in quadrature with the Sagnac signal. This noise can be nulled by adjustment of the coupling ratio of the loop coupler and the state of polarization in the gyro loop. A rigorous analysis of the phases of, and the modulations applied to, the primary and scattered beams shows that no coherent Rayleigh backscatter noise should be detected on the Sagnac signal even with relatively coherent semiconductor laser sources