Litton Systems, Inc.

Glenn M Surabian

Amado Cordova

Samuel N Fersht

John D Wilde

Donald J Bilinski

Paul A Hinman

A sensor coil for a fiber optic gyroscope is potted in polymer-based material selected for avoiding such temperature-related anomalies as bias spikes and bias crossings. The potting material is based upon a silicone composition characterized by a glass transition temperature that lies below and outside the operational range required for commercial or military operation. Predetermined fillers may be added to the silicone for bolstering stiffness (Young's modulus) within the polymer's rubbery region to reduce the gyro's bias sensitivity to vibration. Excellent bias thermal and vibration performance has been achieved with coils potted in silicone adhesive with a carbon-black filler.

Potted fiber optic gyro sensor coil for stringent vibration and thermal

A sensor coil for a fiber optic gyroscope. The coil is formed on a spool of carbon composite material or of another material whose coefficient of thermal expansion approximates that of the overlying windings of the glass optical fiber. The windings are potted in an adhesive material. Various bias effects are addressed by the coil design. The close matching of the thermal expansion characteristics of the spool and the fiber windings as well as proper selection of the coil potting material minimize the Shupe-like bias caused by thermal stress that would be otherwise exerted by a standard metallic spool. By careful selection of potting material (particularly its modulus of elasticity) vibration-induced bias, coil cracking, degradation of h-parameter and temperature-ramp bias sensitivity are also minimized.

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West Hills, CA, United States of America

Glenn M Surabian