Integrated Fast-light Micro-inertial Sensors for GPS Denied Navigation

ABSTRACT: The ability to maintain precision navigation without periodic position updates from external sensors such as GPS is challenging. One particularly challenging scenario is navigation for transonic through hypersonic weapon systems and UAVs. The flight dynamics and operational environment of medium / high altitude platforms limit the availability and precision of traditional non-GPS positioning systems. Existing inertial-based navigation systems suffer too much drift when they operate continuously for days. To address this navigation, SA Photonics is pleased to propose development of the UVG, an Ultra sensitive IMU based on the fast light ring laser technology. The UVG"s highly stable dead-reckoning sensors will enable precision inertial navigation for far-greater periods of time between external position updates. The calculated performance for UVG is>100X better than existing pointing grade IMUs, and the technology is far more compatible with the construction of highly integrated compact and cost-effective Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). BENEFIT: SA Photonics will use our fast light technologies to develop a highly stable, ultra sensitive and compact IMU that will have performance>100X better than existing pointing grade IMUs. There are multiple benefits to the Air Force: - Very low development cost - Ultra sensitive and stable - Rugged, reliable, compact - Low unit cost