Three Axis Intergrated Optics Rotation Sensor

In this proposal, we present the design of an Integrated Optics Rotation Sensor (IORS) that is able to measure all three components of generalized rotation: roll, yaw, and pitch. The proposed IORS offers improved three-axis resolution through a unique, temperature independent biasing technique. The distinct advantage of an IORS over other gyro architectures in the present application of smart munitions is that it is the only gyro with the possibility of surviving 100,000 g accelerations. The proposed IORS has no moving parts, and its rugged glass-on-silicon waveguide architecture also lends it the ability to withstand hostile thermal and acoustic environments. It is lightweight and compact, and consumes a minimum of electrical power. It requires trivial signal processing. I fact, of all the optics-based gyroscopes (ring laser gyro, fiber optic gyro and IORS), only the integrated optics gyro can be easily mass produced at low cost. A simple basic design can be customized to meet the performance specifications for a number of military and commercial applications. The outcome of this project will be a set of design specifications for the construction in Phase II of a prototype three-axis IORS compatible with the requirements of smart munitions.