Innovative Integrated Optical Driver for Ultra-Low-Loss IMU Miniaturization

MDA requires novel technological solutions to cost-efficiently keep pace with the breakneck speed of missile advances around the world. Missile system avionics miniaturization needs have never been more urgent to enable expanded payloads or reduced vehicle size for maneuverability. One such critical avionics system is the inertial measurement unit (IMU), where optical gyroscopes have shown highest performance. Passive optical gyroscopes (POG) offer the best combination of performance and robustness, but require breakthrough approaches to subsystem miniaturization to allow continued SWaP reduction. IFOS and the University of California at Santa Barbara propose the development of an integrated optical driver (IOD) based on innovative photonic integrated circuits (PIC) to enable ultra-low-loss POG inertial measurement unit (IMU) miniaturization. The IOD will comprise all gyro active components (optical source, phase modulators, photodiodes, and couplers) in an area of 4.5 mm2. In Phase I, IFOS will enhance IOD design and components to maximize performance and robustness. In Phase II, IFOS will integrate the IOD in its commercial ultra-low-loss, high-bandwidth POG for IMU implementation and sounding rocket flight testing. IFOS is collaborating with leading guidance, navigation, & control (GN&C) primes to accelerate Phase III commercialization and technology transition to DoD missions.Approved for Public Release | 17-MDA-9395(24 Oct 17)