Abstract: A ring laser gyroscope is described which includes a laser cavity configured to provide an optical laser path for a pair of counter-propagating laser beams, an optical sensor configured to receive a portion of the energy from the counter-propagating laser beams, and a unit configured to receive outputs from the optical sensor. The unit is configured to utilize the output to generate at least a residual path length control signal, a laser intensity monitor signal, and readout signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a path length control apparatus (PLC) for an optical device. The optical device, such as a ring laser gyroscope, is of the type that includes a block having an internal optical cavity that defines a closed optical path. A light source directs a light beam into the optical path, and a plurality of mirrors reflect the light beam about the path. The PLC includes a piezoelectric transducer (PZT) and a wireboard element. The PZT is mounted to one of the mirrors and alters, in response to a control voltage, the position of the mirror relative to the optical cavity to maintain a constant optical path length for the light beam. An adhesive having a ring shaped bonding pattern partially mechanically couples the wireboard element to the PZT so as to permit operation of the PZT free of resistance from the wireboard element.