Showing papers on "Ring laser gyroscope published in 1975"

Optical readout for differential laser gyros

Abstract: In a differential laser gyro system including a ring laser in the form of a figure eight incorporated in a solid block, optical readout is accomplished by mounting the readout optics to the block in a manner similar to that employed for the laser optics. The laser optics comprises four mirrors mounted on the outer face of the block, with diagonally opposite faces being parallel. A modulator having plane parallel end faces is incorporated in the laser optical system, and oriented so that readout reflections therefrom occur in a plane at a slight angle to the lasing plane. Readout beam director prisms are positioned on the outer faces of the block adjacent to the laser optic system mirrors, and direct the readout reflections to a beam splitter and then to optical detectors as in conventional readout optical systems. Alignment of the readout system is enhanced by virtue of the fact that both angular and linear adjustments can be made by rotating or translating the readout optics. By virtue of the mounting of the beam splitter on a spherical base, angular adjustment of the beam splitter is provided to assure colinearity of the readout beams at the optical detectors.

Development of an optical rate sensor

Abstract: : This report documents the results of a feasibility investigation program of optical rate sensing by a unique technique of differential phase shift measurement between counter-traveling light beams forming a closed path. The program involved the design, build, and test of a discrete component research test model of the sensor, and an investigation of the applicability of integrated optics technology to such a sensor. Such a sensor possesses many of the attributes of the ring laser gyro without the problem of frequency lock-in which is characteristic of that device. It also offers the potential advantage of size reduction without performance degradation through the use of multiple turns of fiber optics for an effective area increase and replacement of the gas laser with a solid state source. The purpose of the program was to evaluate a complete sensor using the research test model and to determine how well integrated optics can be applied to the optical rate sensor. The results indicate that fiber optics and the solid state laser can be used to overcome problems encountered in the discrete component model and to achieve performance in the one-half to ten degree per hour bias stability range in a sensor configured for a maximum rate of 400 degrees/second. An optical rate sensor using only integrated optics components, although promising, requires further research developments in the field of integrated optics. (Author)

Developmental Test of the Honeywell Laser Inertial Navigation System (LINS)

Abstract: : This technical report documents the results of flight test of the Honeywell lLaser Inertial Navigational System (LINS), an engineering model of a ring laser gyro strapdown inertial navigation system The purpose of the testing was to demonstrate strapdown laser inertial navigation system advanced technology and to evaluate the LINS as a potential candidate system to meet future, moderate accuracy, medium cost, inertial navigator needs The testing was considered developmental, rather than verification, within the meaning of applicable DOD/DDR and E directives

Space Tug laser gyro IMU

Abstract: A redundant inertial measuring unit (IMU) incorporating six strapdown laser gyros and six accelerometers, arranged so that sensitive axes are normal to the faces of a dodecahedron, provides enhanced reliability with reduced hardware weight. Software monitoring of sensor outputs senses failure of sensors and the system is designed for triple redundancy, with built-in test equipment. Attention is centered on redundancy and fail-safe features, and on the closed-path ring laser gyro arrangement.