Fiber optic rate gyros

Progress on the development of an ultra miniature fiber optic rate gyro is reported. A unique IFOG design implementing low cost components is presented where package volume is less than two cubic inches including electronics. This design is capable of meeting operational performance requirements over the temperature range of -57 to +71 C with electronic power limited to 3 watts. The IFOG circuit consists of an ELED source at 1.3 micrometers , a non-PM source/receiver multiplex circuit using a standard fused biconic tapered coupler, an annealed proton exchange integrated optic 'gyro chip', and a volume efficient 'racetrack' PM sensing coil configuration. Gyro electronics have been reduced to a single MCM board. A discussion of the design parameters, component requirements, and test data are presented.