Modular and compact interferometric fiber optic gyroscope configuration for high precision rotary motion

Abstract:
A reliable, low-cost, and compact interferometric fiber optic gyroscope (IFOG) with a modular axis approach has been investigated. The proposed 1-axis IFOG design consists of optical components, an electronic control unit and a mounting module. The open-loop IFOG prototype operates at a wavelength of 1550 nm and mainly includes a superluminescent diode (SLD) source, a modulator and a quadrupole fiber coil with 400 m in length. Such a coil measures the rotation rate by interferometric analysis, where its adequate dimensional and optical features lead to obtain a high resolution. The electronic unit drives the optical components, manages the temperature and amplifies the resulting signal at high frequencies up to 300 kHz. The housing is designed to be lightweight and to shield all components from temperature and environment influences. The 3-axes IFOG was also proposed and assembled to provide high precision for motion measurements along all three orthogonal axes.