Session
Technical Session II: New Components and Software
Abstract
Orbital Science Corporation and Fibersense Technology Corporation are working together to produce a radiation hard, interferometric fiber optic gyro inertial reference unit. The advantages of fiber optic gyros over both ring laser gyros and traditional mechanical gyros have been well documented. Fiber optic gyros offer a rugged, low cost alternative to other gyro technologies. Their straight forward design provides for a gyro that is highly reliable with a low parts count and simple construction. Fiber optic gyros have no moving parts eliminating mechanical wear out and induced vibrations from ring laser gyro dither mechanisms. In addition, the light source for the fiber optic gyro does not require high voltage, therefore, there is no corona region in which the gyro cannot operate. Another advantage is that the light is propagated through a fiber optic medium which does not require a sealed cavity.
Radiation Hard Fiber Optic Gyro Inertial Reference Unit
Orbital Science Corporation and Fibersense Technology Corporation are working together to produce a radiation hard, interferometric fiber optic gyro inertial reference unit. The advantages of fiber optic gyros over both ring laser gyros and traditional mechanical gyros have been well documented. Fiber optic gyros offer a rugged, low cost alternative to other gyro technologies. Their straight forward design provides for a gyro that is highly reliable with a low parts count and simple construction. Fiber optic gyros have no moving parts eliminating mechanical wear out and induced vibrations from ring laser gyro dither mechanisms. In addition, the light source for the fiber optic gyro does not require high voltage, therefore, there is no corona region in which the gyro cannot operate. Another advantage is that the light is propagated through a fiber optic medium which does not require a sealed cavity.
