Design Considerations for an Incoherent Fiber Optic Gyroscope.
Abstract
The components required for the construction of an incoherent fiber optic gyroscope are tested. The instrument uses an incoherent light source such as an LED or diode laser operating below threshold. Five LED's and one laser diode were tested. An acousto-optic modulator is investigated as a signal processing element. Equations are developed showing the effects of incoherence on the minimum expected rotation rate that can be observed. A review of optical rotation sensing in general, and the related technology is presented. The polarization properties of the source and fiber are discussed as they relate to gyro stability and minimum rotation rate. Two possible signal processing techniques are presented which promise to further reduce minimum rotation rate and improve system stability. The requirements on components for the fabrication of an inertial grade gyro are summarized along with a discussion of component contributions to gyro error. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA115477
Entities
People
- Richard L. Ice
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology