Abstract:
A ring laser gyroscope includes an optical block for generating laser beams that counter-propagate in a closed-loop type optical path, a dither mechanism for applying dither vibration for mitigating a lock-in phenomenon to the optical block, and a dither controller for controlling the dither vibration. The dither controller imparts randomness to the frequency of the angular velocity of the dither vibration.
Abstract:
Dithering mechanism and method for eliminating the effects of zero-rate bias in a rate sensor or gyroscope. Both continuously moving and indexing embodiments are disclosed. The mechanism includes a first part mounted in a fixed position centered about a dither axis perpendicular to the input axis of the gyroscope, a second part disposed coaxially of the first part and affixed to the sensing element of the gyroscope, and a plurality of piezoelectrically driven quartz flexure beams extending radially between the first and second parts for dithering the second part about the dither axis. In some embodiments, the dithering mechanism is formed separately from and affixed to the sensing element of the gyroscope, and in others it is formed integrally with the sensing element. In the indexing embodiments, radial arms and fixed stops limit movement of the mechanism between two fixed positions, and drive signals and holding potentials are applied alternately to dither the mechanism between the two positions and to hold it alternately in those positions during successive data acquisition periods.
Abstract:
In the disclosed laser gyrometer, the three resonant optical cavities of the block are connected to a cathode chamber by means of the three cathode capillary tubes and to a balancing chamber by means of three balancing capillary tubes. The axis of the cathode is identified with the axis of actuation. The block is actuated by means of an actuating ring in thermal contact with the cathode so as to provide for dissipation of the heat generated at the cathode. The invention makes it possible to solve the problems relating to wobble (or lack of dynamic balance) as well as thermal gradients.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a mounting mechanism and method for accurately securing and uniformly bonding piezoelectric transducers (PZT's) to a dither spring. The dither spring includes a central hub, an outer toroidal rim, a plurality of flexible reeds and a plurality of lobes. The reeds extend between the hub and the rim, and one of the lobes is positioned between each pair of adjacent reeds. A mounting mechanism includes locating channels on the lobes sized to receive mounting inserts that hold the PZT's during assembly. The mounting mechanism accurately positions and provides a uniform bonding force to the PZT's to precisely and firmly secure the PZT's on the dither spring reeds.
Abstract:
A dynamic vibration absorber for reducing vibrations of a platform induced by an oscillating mass mounted thereon is provided by mounting a mass of equal mechanical resonant frequency as that of the oscillating mass and oscillating this mass in a manner to establish an equal and opposite vibration of the platform, thereby cancelling the vibrations induced by the oscillating mass. In one embodiment, a signal from the oscillating mass representative of the frequency and amplitude of its mechanical oscillation is phase shifted and utilized as a driving signal to the drive motor of the absorber mass. In another embodiment, electrical signals representative of the platform vibrations are detected to provide phase and amplitude vibration error signals. These error signals are applied to a reference signal coupled to the drive motor of the canceller mass causing the oscillations of the canceller mass to induce vibrations in the platform which counter the vibrations induced by the oscillating mass.
Abstract:
A dither drive system for a ring laser gyroscope includes a computer, a digital to analog converter, a filter, and a power amplifier. The system senses the dither frequency of the gyro frame and produces a digital signal that corresponds to a specified dither drive signal and toggles the dither drive signal to drive the flexure at its resonant frequency. The dither drive system generates digital waveforms that approximate the sine function and digital waveforms that approximate the cosine function and applies the digital waveforms in quadrature to the flexure.
Abstract:
A ring laser is provided with at least one retroreflector external to the ring laser closed-loop path for redirecting energy extracted from one of the counterpropagating beams into the opposite traveling counterpropagating beam. The redirected energy is modulated so as to oppose the normal coupling between the counterpropagating beams which causes lock-in.
Abstract:
A correction to the output angle of the ring laser gyroscope is calculated as a function of the phase difference and the magnitude of coupling between the two counterpropagating beams when the dither oscillations change direction. A pair of heterodyne detectors produce heterodyne signals indicative of the interference pattern between the counterpropagating beams. A signal indicative of the sum of the separate beam intensities is demodulated with the heterodyne signals to determine the magnitude of coupling between the beams in the ring laser gyroscope.
Abstract:
A dither mechanism comprises a hub (10) arranged to be fixed to a mounting, and a rim (11) coaxial with the hub and to which the ring laser may be attached. A number of radial spokes (12) interconnect the hub (10) and the rim (11), and each has its point of attachment to the rim (11) recessed into the rim in a radial direction. A pair of pegs (32) is associated with at least one spoke and is arranged for insertion into the recesses (15) between the rim and each side of the spoke (12) so as to vary the effective length of the spoke. Drive means (30) are provided for imparting an oscillatory rotational motion to the rim (11) relative to the hub (10) about the axis of the hub.
Abstract:
A low Q ring laser gyro-dither motor assembly which is responsive to a wide range of frequency components of a drive signal having a randomly varying frequency such that the dither imparted to the gyro is frequency modulated by the drive. The frequency modulated dither varies the lock-in rate of the gyro as a function of the random drive signal to eliminate errors in the gyro output due to lock-in. The drive signal may be random in frequency only or random in both frequency and amplitude to provide the frequency modulation. Fixed frequency modulation may also be employed. The low Q assembly need not be driven at the natural frequency thereof so that a common drive circuit may be employed for a plurality of low Q gyro-dither motor assemblies forming an instrument cluster.