MEMS Optical Inertial Reference Unit (MOIRU)

ABSTRACT: Applied Technology Associates (ATA) and University of California Irvine (UC Irvine) have teamed to develop a compact optical inertial reference unit (OIRU) for aircraft-based, tactical, high-energy laser (HEL) weapon systems.ATA has typically developed OIRUs that utilize a passively isolated and actively stabilized platform, which houses the stabilized reference laser source.The SWaP-C of this approach is limited by the high SWaP-C of available inertial sensor technology and the number of sensors/actuators required.Recent developments in MEMS inertial sensing technology have yet to be exploited for application to OIRU devices.The MicroSystems Laboratory at UC Irvine is at the forefront of this MEMS inertial instrument research.Team ATA will develop a preliminary design in Phase I of the MEMS Optical Inertial Reference Unit (MOIRU), which is based on the MEMS Quad Mass Gyroscope (QMG) technology.We will model, simulate, and analyze the design to demonstrate the performance potential and SWaP-C advantages over existing technologies.Preliminary test results on UC Irvines QMG have demonstrated bias stability on the order of 0.073 deg/hr and Angular Random Walk of 0.045 deg/vhr, which can readily support the performance requirements enumerated in the solicitation.; BENEFIT: The MEMS Optical Inertial Reference Unit (MOIRU) leverages the existing research being conducted by University of California Irvine (UC Irvine) to develop the Quad Mass Gyroscope (QMG).The QMG enables ATAs low SWaP-C MOIRU development and the ongoing QMG research reduces program risk.The high inertial sensor sensitivity and low suspended mass can achieve higher bandwidths than traditionally possible with bulky inertial sensors suspended on the stable platform.ATA has been developing technology for the U.S. Government and Aerospace contractors since 1975.During this time, we have developed outstanding relationships that we will leverage to bring the MOIRU technology to market.ATAs success in generating additional revenue tied to our Phase I and Phase II SBIR projects has allowed ATA to grow and expand its business through Phase III commercialization and other spin-off contracts.As reported in the ATA Company Commercialization Report, we have received 58 Phase I SBIR awards and 25 Phase II awards.ATAs track record for commercialization of SBIR sponsored technology development is excellent, resulting in a Commercialization Achievement Index of 90 and related cumulative revenues from sales and additional investments of over $42 million.The global inertial sensing systems market is currently >$4B annually and is expected to grow at an overall Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.2% to >$7B by 2019.ATA is focused on the IMU segment of this market, of which OIRUs are a very small fraction.Potential OIRU applications include missions having stringent LOSS and IAK requirements such as airborne DEW, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and space laser communications.ATA anticipates capturing significant market share, as OIRUs are a very specialized product niche in which we own most of the Intellectual Property (IP).We continually work to enhance and improve our OIRU designs and technology to maintain our competitive edge while reaching out to competitors to supply their specific mission needs.Our goal is to be the Number One supplier of OIRUs worldwide.