Abstract: To prevent a supported block, particularly a ring laser block, from translating, rotating, or being stressed with changes in temperature, the block to be supported carries a plurality of, typically four, coplanar radially-outward-extending circularly cylindrical posts. The posts are grasped by compliant axially-split sleeves or mounts which engage posts. The mounts are supported by a surrounding substantially circular frame. The mounts are substantially equiangularly positioned around the frame, and the posts are correspondingly positioned upon the block. The frame is surrounded by a case which is adapted to be fastened to another structure such as a vehicle or gimbal. At points angularly positioned around the frame, substantially equiangularly positioned from the adjacent sleeve fixtures, the frame is rigidly attached to the case. The mounts and the frame are both made of a material, typically Invar, having a known temperature coefficient of expansion.

Abstract: A device for driving a mirror of a laser cavity has a deflectable body which matches the mirror in coefficient of thermal expansion and acts in response to forces from one or more piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric elements deflect a membrane of the driver body which acts on the mirror in an axial direction to control the path length of the cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the driver body is made of a low expansion glass-ceramic or fused quartz material and has a peripheral ring and an inner hub for transfer of deflection forces to the mirror in either of two opposite directions.

Abstract: An improved flexure spring assembly for a ring laser gyro dither mechanism using flexure springs between a hub and a rim with each spring driven by four piezoelectric crystal wafers, each spring having a reduced cross-sectional area, moment of inertia, and resistance to bending at its radially outward point of attachment to the rim.