Characterization on the effect of linear stress birefringence in a total reflection prism ring resonator

Taking into account the influence both from the far-field divergent angle of the eigenmode and the slight nonplanar effect in a total reflection prism (TRP) ring resonator simultaneously, we analyze the effect of linear stress birefringence of prism on the eigenmode polarization and null drift in the resonator based on the theory of Jones matrix and the condition of eigenmode self-consistency. The evolution of the polarization ellipticity for both clockwise and counterclockwise beams versus the linear stress birefringence of prisms has been quantitatively established, and the minimum and maximum influences from the direction of linear stress birefringence on eigenmode polarization and null drift have also been found for the first time as far as we know. The results should be useful for designing and optimizing the structure of super high-precision TRP ring laser gyroscopes.