Progress with interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (Conference Presentation)

Abstract

Progress with Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyroscopes Interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFOGs) have been in production for many years and for a given size, weight and power it has demonstrated higher performance than other sensors technologies. This is due to the use of relatively long fiber optic coils with small diameter, providing high performance and small size. Several IFOG developers, including Honeywell, are using new error-reduction techniques and improved component technologies to advance the technology. A review of the reported performance advancements will be presented, as well as a discussion of IFOG long life reliability. This is a proven technology for strategic grade gyros and has demonstrated the ability to meet strategic grade performance without compromising bandwidth or requiring boutique manufacturing processes.