Triaxial Gyro Cathode Segmentation for Extended Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
The life of a triaxial gyro is limited by the high current density required of the cathode, which leads to sputtering of the oxide layer and reduced operating time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a triaxial laser gyro with three cathodes, each linked to two cavities, significantly reducing current density by distributing the current load evenly across the cathodes, while maintaining symmetry and performance characteristics through modified current regulation and ignition sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single cathode is used to supply plasma to six anodes in a triaxial gyro, then the gyro can maintain symmetrical configuration and operational performance, but the current density required by the cathode becomes excessively high, leading to rapid sputtering of the oxide layer and limited device life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single cathode function into three separate cathodes, each supplying plasma to two anodes. This segmentation reduces the current density on each cathode by a factor of three compared to a single cathode supplying six anodes, directly addressing the sputtering issue while maintaining the required operational symmetry of the triaxial gyro system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local quality by assigning specific functional roles to each cathode-anode pair. Each cathode is optimized to supply plasma to specific anodes associated with particular gas reserves and cavities, creating localized plasma sources that reduce overall current density while maintaining system performance through strategic distribution
2Device complexity
If a single cathode supplies plasma to multiple anodes across three cavities, then the gyro achieves compact integration, but the high current density causes rapid degradation of the cathode oxide layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single cathode into three separate cathodes, each responsible for supplying plasma to two anodes. This division reduces the current density on each cathode by a factor of three, extending the cathode operating time by reducing sputtering rates while maintaining the compact integrated structure of the triaxial gyro
3Productivity
If the cathode current is increased to maintain laser gain in all three cavities, then the gyro achieves full operational capability, but the oxide layer on the cathode sputters rapidly, limiting device life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plasma supply function across three cathodes, each supplying two anodes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain full laser gain in all three cavities while reducing the current density on each individual cathode, thereby extending cathode life through reduced sputtering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by distributing the total current requirement across three cathodes instead of one. This parameter change reduces the current density on each cathode while maintaining the total plasma generation capability needed for full laser gain in all three cavities
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
This configuration results in a 20-fold increase in the life of the gyro by reducing current density, while maintaining performance levels and symmetry, thereby overcoming the limitations of high current density in existing triaxial gyro designs.
Implementation Method 1
The gain providing the laser effect is obtained by the electrical discharges into an He—Ne plasma between one cathode and several anodes
Implementation Method 2
The gain providing the laser effect is obtained by the electrical discharges into an He—Ne plasma
Implementation Method 3
This operating time is limited by the sputtering of the oxide layer deposited on the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laser gyro of the type comprising an optical block comprising three communicating resonant optical cavities which form a regular octahedron having eight triangular sides, each of the cavities presenting four capillary segments forming a square perpendicular to a corresponding sensitive axis, these cavities being arranged so that each of the angles of one cavity coincides and communicates with the angle of another cavity, a mirror associated with each pair of coinciding angles being oriented so as to be used by the two cavities forming said pair, each cavity using four mirrors including a reading mirror and a cavity-length servo mirror, said gyro also comprising an activation mechanism for driving the block according to a reciprocating rotation movement about an activation axis, and it is characterized in that this gyro comprises three cathodes each linked to two cavities out of the three, these two cavities being each time taken by circular permutation.