The ring laser gyro

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Abstract
The authors recall the basic principles and advantages of the ring laser gyro (RLG) which is the most widely developed of all optical gyroscopes based on the Sagnac effect. The main error sources which can affect RLG performances are discussed, and among them gas flows in the active medium and frequency synchronisation of counterpropagating waves or 'lock-in'. Particular attention is given to locking phenomenon: the predominant influence of mirrors backscattering is emphasized and means devised to overcome this problem are explained. Some important design rules used in the RLG construction are defined. Two representative examples of RLG for different applications are described including the triaxial RLG in a single optical block.
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