Ring laser gyroscope

About: Ring laser gyroscope is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2070 publications have been published within this topic receiving 18609 citations. The topic is also known as: Sagnac interferometer.

Selector for ring lasers

Abstract: A selector for the two partial beams (101, 102) of a ring laser gyroscope (100) is of rigorously symmetrical construction, so that both partial beams travel the same distance before entering a photodetector (114-117). The two partial beams are polarized in different ways (105, 106), superimposed (107, 108, 109) and then geometrically separated again (110, 111). A fixed phase ratio (90°) between the separated partial beams can be established beforehand.

Estimation of Dither Effect on the Accuracy of a Navigation System Based on Laser Gyroscopes with a Planar Circuit and Q-Flex Accelerometers

Abstract: The influence of a laser gyroscope dither on accelerometers has been studied. The use of a laser gyroscope with a planar resonator is useful for navigation systems miniaturization, but the gyroscope's dither operation affects the accelerometer’s signal. High accuracy of the system in this case is achieved by complicating the mathematical model and calibration. The navigation error of an inertial navigation system is simulated with a rectilinear motion of an aircraft, with calculated noise component of the accelerometer’s signal when the dither is operating and switched off. Based on the data obtained, recommendations are given for calibrating the navigation system, taking into account the noise component of the signal.

Rotation Sensing with Large Ring Lasers

Abstract: Ring lasers are commonly used as gyroscopes for aircraft navigation and attitude control. The largest ring lasers are sensitive enough that they can be used for high resolution inertial rotation sensing of the Earth in order to detect tiny perturbations to the Earth's rotation caused by earthquakes or global mass transport. This book describes the latest advances in the development of large ring lasers for applications in geodesy and geophysics using the most sensitive and stable devices available. Chapters cover our current knowledge of the physics of the laser gyroscope, how to acquire and analyse data from ring lasers, and what the potential applications are in the geosciences. It is a valuable reference for those working with ring lasers or using the data for applications in geodesy and geophysics; as well as researchers in laser physics, photonics and navigation.

Applications

Abstract: After looking at the details of ring laser design and operation and putting it into perspective with alternative sensor designs, we now look at the actual areas of application of large ring laser gyroscopes. We start off by discussing ring resonator performance from the viewpoint of an optical frequency source. Then we carry on by summarizing how the application of large ring lasers to high resolution rotation sensing has enabled the research field of rotational seismology, before discussing the achievements obtained with ring lasers for space geodesy over the years. Finally we briefly touch the field of the highly sensitive detection of non-reciprocal phenomena, such as magneto-chiral birefringence, before addressing the applicability of ring laser gyroscopes to tests in fundamental physics. The book concludes with an outlook on the future of large ring lasers.