Chip-scale integrated ultrasensitive gyroscope based on liquid micro-resonators
Abstract
We propose an innovative, ultrasensitive chip-scale optical gyroscope, based on a liquid resonator, that can be implemented in an inertial navigation system. Measuring the rotation rate of objects is an important scientific objective, with applications in aircraft, satellite, and ground vehicle navigation, consumer electronics, and astronomy. Current state-of-the-art gyroscopes cover a wide range. Micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) gyroscopes, using the Coriolis force, are attractive due to their small device size, weight and fabrication costs, and are well-suited for consumer electronics, automotive needs, and medical instruments. However, for more demanding applications, MEMs solutions are not suitable as they contain moving parts and performance is limited by the materials used. Higher performance gyroscopes such as the ring laser gyroscope (RLG) and the fiber optical gyroscope (FOG) rely on the relativistic phenomenon known as the Sagnac effect, in which a phase shift between counter-propagating optical beams, travelling in opposite directions, is induced under angular rotation. While RLG and FOG gyroscopes are effective, they are limited by the weakness of Sagnac effect, nonlinearities, thermal fluctuations, and backscattering. This constrains the ability to perform at the necessary level for inertial navigation systems, especially in environments where global positioning systems (GPS) are ineffective. Additionally, the Sagnac effect is directly proportional to path area, creating significant hurdles for miniature devices. Specifically, we will design and implement a chip-scale, integrated gyroscope based on a liquid droplet and that utilizes a nonlinear amplification of the Sagnac effect to enable a new level of performance, enabling accurate navigation in GPS-denied environments. A novel gyroscope with significantly improved performance, up to three orders of magnitude enhancement, than current instrumentation will enable accurate navigation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910437
Entities
People
- Juliet T. Gopinath
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Colorado Boulder