Abstract: A ring laser gyro has tilting mirrors that can be sinusoidally tilted and therefore cause the optical path defined by the mirrors to be sinusoidally rotated (dithered). The dithering of the mirrors takes place in an angular motion. The mirrors are driven by the same drive signal therefore eliminating the need to precisely control the amplitude and phase.

Abstract: A ring laser gyroscope functions both as a standard gyroscope and as an accelerometer. As the ring laser gyroscope experiences acceleration along its input axis, the frame bends and position sensing photodiodes are utilized to detect the optic axis motion and laser beam intensity. By measuring optic axis shifts along the gyro input axis during acceleration, a signal proportional to acceleration is obtained.

Abstract: A ring laser gyro is configured in accordance with a model whereby a closed line integral is evaluated along the optical path of the gyro so that reducing the integral by configuring the plasma discharge path of the gyro reduces the sensitivity of the gyro to magnetic effects.

Abstract: A gyrocompassing system intended for land based equipment requiring north reference information includes a novel gyrocompass implementation which enables utilization of high grade inertial sensors while achieving the desired goal of moderate cost. The north finding system is designed to provide high accuracy with fast reaction time over a wide temperature range without the aid of heaters and other auxiliary equipment. The arrangement is specifically configured to tolerate settling and/or oscillatory base motion without additional reaction time or degradation of gyrocompassing accuracy. The input axis of a gyroscope used in the system is skewed, so it can measure a component of gimbal rotation, thereby eliminating the need for independently measuring the relative gimbal angle. Absolute position alignment between the gimbal and the system case as is required is accomplished by an appropriate stop arrangement, which is an easier task than measuring the relative gimbal angle as aforenoted.