Integrated optical angular velocity sensor

This invention concerns an integrated and miniaturized optical sensor of angular velocity to be used as the fundamental element in gyroscope systems and rotation control systems. Two counter-propagating laser beams are generated within a multi quantum well ring laser and are externally coupled by means of a U-shaped waveguide. The laser waves are modulated by an electooptic push-pull modulator which induces an appropriate phase shift to detect the direction of the angular velocity produced by the rotation. Then the two waves are combined by a Y-shaped waveguide where the optical beating is generated. The advantages shown by this new optical sensor are mainly due to the presence of the active cavity, and are illustrated in the description of the present invention.