The light source is one of the key components of fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs) since its optical parameters determine FOG performance, including the scale factor and zero bias stability. In this paper we consider the main types of light sources that are most suitable for FOGs. We describe their design principles and relevant technical characteristics, review commercially available light sources, and provide a brief assessment of the prospects for the development of light sources in the context of fiber optic gyroscopy.
The paper studies the current state of fiber-optic gyroscopes (FOG) development. An overview of the modern market of gyroscopes for inertial navigation is presented with a special focus on the FOG niche. The principle of operation is briefly described; classification of existing FOGs is presented; their advantages and disadvantages are discussed; and some examples of existing devices are given. Key Russian and international manufacturers are mentioned in the paper. Finally, trends of FOG development are observed, and the future development of the gyroscope market is assessed.
The paper studies the temperature dependency of h-parameter of the fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) coil. It has been shown that the thermal dependency of h-parameter behaves differently in positive and negative temperature ranges. It is noted that the polarization effect can severely limit the FOG accuracy in a broad temperature range. Ways to eliminate the polarization effect are proposed.
Light source is one of the key components of fiber optic gyroscopes. The performance of these gyros, including their scale factor and bias stability depend directly on the parameters of the light source output. Although the modern market offers a variety of light sources potentially suitable for fiber optic gyros, it seems quite challenging to choose a proper light source. The objective of this paper is to study and compare the light sources made by various companies, in particular, to measure and analyze the pattern and width of their spectra, weighted average wavelength, the output optical power, and the power consumption. A comprehensive comparative analysis of the obtained characteristics of the sources has been carried out.
The paper presents the information on specific design, accuracy characteristics, and results of testing of a prototype fiber-optic gyro of accuracy grade 0.01°/h, with sensing element spool diameter of 150 mm, designed by Concern RCSI Elektropribor, JSC. The device is compared to a number of sensors of similar accuracy grade, designed by various Russian and international companies.
The problem of ensuring the radiation resistance of fiber-optic gyroscopes and their main components (optical fibers, elements of integrated optics, optical sources, electronic components and optical materials) is analyzed on the basis of Russian and foreign publications. Possible ways of radiation resistance improvement are considered.
The paper focuses on reduction of sampling rate of FOG output data. Particularly, aliasing effect is considered. Solution for reducing the sampling rate is proposed, and various methods are considered. It is revealed that the currently used method is not an optimal one. A new method is proposed, based on the use of FIR filter chain. The methods are compared, and advantages of the novel method are clearly demonstrated.
The article considers the effect of temperature variations on the output of closed-loop fiber-optic gyro (FOG) developed by “Elektropribor”. Structural and algorithmic methods to reduce this effect are proposed such as compensation of thermally induced multiplicative and additive errors and various thermal stabilization options. These methods decrease FOG temperature drifts by ten times and more.
This paper addresses the issue regarding dead zones in interferometric closed-loop fiber-optic gyros (FOGs). The causes of dead zones and their suppression methods are analyzed. Test methods for dead-zone detection and measurement are discussed. Dead-zone values are presented for FOGs produced by various companies—both Russian (Optolink, Perm Research and Production Instrument Company, and Elektropribor) and foreign (Honeywell and IXSEA).
The effect of a static magnetic field on fiber-optic gyroscopes (FOG) is investigated. The methods and procedures used to estimate the characteristics of this influence are considered. The results obtained in the study of the effect a static magnetic field produces on FOG accuracy are given. The conclusions about the possibilities for decreasing the errors of FOG-based strapdown systems are presented.
