Ring Laser Gyroscope Active Volume Bragg Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ring laser gyroscopes using gaseous gain media, such as helium-neon, face challenges with complex processing and limited lifetime due to gas leakage, necessitating a solid-state solution for improved durability and reduced costs.
Innovation Solution
A ring laser gyroscope design incorporating a solid-state optical block with an active volume Bragg grating that functions as both a gain medium and a reflector, replacing traditional mirrors, and utilizing rare-earth doped glass materials to enhance optical power and reduce assembly time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaseous gain medium (He-Ne) is used in ring laser gyroscope, then laser generation and angular rate detection can be achieved, but device complexity increases and lifetime is limited due to gas leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the gain medium from gaseous (He-Ne) to solid-state (rare-earth doped glass), which eliminates gas leakage issues and extends device lifetime while simplifying the overall system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure by doping rare-earth ions into glass matrix to create solid-state gain medium, combining the advantages of glass (stability, longevity) with rare-earth ions (laser emission properties)
2Ease of manufacture
If gaseous gain medium is used in ring laser gyroscope, then laser generation is possible, but expansive fixtures and complicated processing techniques are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gain medium and mirror functions into a single solid-state component (gain medium with reflective surfaces), eliminating the need for separate gas containment fixtures and simplifying the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gas containment system (seals, pressure vessels, complex fixtures) with a solid-state optical system that requires no gas management infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The implementation of active volume Bragg gratings in ring laser gyroscopes provides a longer-lasting, cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for gas-based systems, improving the durability and operational efficiency of the devices while maintaining accurate angular rate detection.
Implementation Method 1
The volume Bragg grating is operative as a gain medium to increase an optical power of the light beam
Implementation Method 2
at least one volume Bragg grating mounted on the optical block and in optical communication with the optical closed loop pathway
Implementation Method 3
a pump laser in optical communication with the volume Bragg grating, the pump laser operative to emit a light beam
Implementation Method 4
a pair of counter-propagating light beams is produced within the optical closed loop pathway from the light beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A ring laser gyroscope comprises an optical block that defines an optical closed loop pathway; at least one mirror structure mounted on the optical block and in communication with the closed loop pathway; at least one volume Bragg grating mounted on the optical block and in communication with the closed loop pathway; and a pump laser in communication with the volume Bragg grating, the laser operative to emit a light beam at a selected incident angle such that the beam passes through the volume Bragg grating and overlaps with the closed loop pathway. The volume Bragg grating is operative as a gain medium to increase an optical power of the beam, and a pair of counter-propagating beams is produced within the closed loop pathway from the beam. The mirror structure and the volume Bragg grating are positioned and angled to reflect the counter-propagating beams around the closed loop pathway.