Opto-Mechanical Modeling of Low Cost, High Precision, Micro Components for Fiber Optic Gyroscopes

Polaris Sensor Technologies proposes to combine an innovative crossover-free Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG) sensor coil winding configuration, which is based on low cost single mode fiber and retains built-in thermal symmetry, with an opto-mechanical model of this novel device to enhance FOG capability. The cost and thermal sensitivity associated with current FOG sensor coils will be minimized through a high fidelity model which, in turn, will permit prediction and optimization of the performance of both the coil and the entire FOG sensor. The model will be based on the Mueller calculus, a well known framework capable of simulating the polarization resolved propagation of light through optical components such as those employed in a depolarized FOG. Coils with differing winding configurations will be designed, fabricated, and functionally tested. The test results will be correlated to the model predictions and both the model and the device designs will be iteratively improved. The enhancements afforded by this approach are expected to include higher FOG sensitivity at a reduced cost.