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Published on: February 4, 2017
Mirrors movement-induced equivalent rotation effect in ring laser gyros
Guangfeng Lu1, Zhenfang Fan, Shaomin Hu
1Department of Optoelectronic Engineering, College of Optoelectrics Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China.
Optics Express
|June 22, 2013
Summary
This study reveals an equivalent rotation in ring laser gyros when adjacent mirrors move oppositely. This rotation rate is directly proportional to mirror velocities, offering new insights for gyro stabilization.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Precision Measurement
- Inertial Navigation
Background:
- Ring laser gyros (RLGs) are crucial for inertial navigation.
- Understanding optical path dynamics is key to RLG performance.
- Mirror movement can introduce errors in RLG measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between optical path changes and mirror movement in RLGs.
- To identify and quantify any equivalent rotation induced by specific mirror motions.
- To provide a theoretical and experimental basis for RLG error analysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a matrix optical approach for theoretical analysis.
- Conducted numerical simulations to model the system.
- Performed experimental validation of the simulated results.
Main Results:
- Discovered an equivalent rotation of the closed-loop optical path for the first time.
- Demonstrated that this equivalent rotation is proportional to the velocities of the moving mirrors.
- Confirmed findings through both numerical simulations and experimental data.
Conclusions:
- Mirror displacement, even with constant path length, can induce an equivalent rotation in RLGs.
- The magnitude of this induced rotation is predictable based on mirror velocities.
- This finding has implications for improving the accuracy and stability of ring laser gyros.
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