Ring Laser Gyroscope Plasma Shunts for Mirror Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ring laser mirrors in navigation systems are contaminated by devitrified frame material from the plasma, leading to reduced reflectivity and shorter operational time, with existing shielding techniques being costly to fabricate and install.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of plasma shunts, such as electrical conductors or diversion passages, in the mirror wells to prevent plasma contact with the mirrors, quenching the plasma and reducing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If mirror shielding techniques are used to prevent plasma contact with mirrors, then mirror contamination is reduced, but fabrication and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful plasma is extracted from the optical path by creating separate plasma confinement regions bounded by magnetic fields, preventing plasma contact with mirrors while using simple, low-cost mirror well structures rather than expensive shields
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic fields serve as intermediaries to confine and control plasma position, keeping it away from mirrors without requiring physical barrier structures that would increase fabrication complexity and cost
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex mirror shielding structures are implemented, then plasma contact with mirrors is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is segmented into distinct functional regions: plasma confinement regions bounded by magnetic fields and mirror regions separated by mirror wells, allowing simple structural elements to achieve plasma separation without complex shielding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple geometric structures (mirror wells) that copy the basic cavity shape rather than implementing complex custom-shaped shields, reducing fabrication complexity while maintaining effectiveness
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 plasma shunts effectively reduce mirror contamination, extending the operational life of ring laser gyroscopes by preventing plasma contact with mirrors, while being inexpensive and easy to install.
Implementation Method 1
contact between the plasma and the electrical conductors quenches the plasma in the mirror wells
Implementation Method 2
produces electrical currents that travels across the mirror wells
Data Source
AI summary
A ring laser gyroscope includes a first plasma shunt arranged to prevent the plasma from contacting a first mirror in the gain region and a second plasma shunt arranged to prevent the plasma from contacting a second mirror in the gain region. The first and second plasma shunts may comprise electrical conductors located in the respective mirror wells and arranged such that contact between the plasma and the electrical conductors quenches the plasma in the mirror wells and produces electrical currents that travels across the mirror wells. The electrical conductors may be formed as metallized strips arranged to extend across the mirror wells, or they may be formed from metal wires. The plasma shunts may alternatively comprise diversion passages formed in the frame and arranged such that the plasma fills the diversion passages and bypasses the mirrors.