Abstract: A digital phase modulation arrangement for a fiber optic angular rate sensor utilizes Pockels electro-optical effect operating in the transverse mode. Light travels around a fiber optic coil in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. An error signal corresponding to the phase difference between the clockwise and counterclockwise traveling light is applied to a digital processor which provides a plurality of logic bits. The logic bits are applied to voltage/phase transducers arranged on an integrated optics chip. The voltage/phase transducers are switched from an applied reference voltage to a particular voltage level to induce a phase change through Pockels electro-optical effect.

Abstract: A pneumatically dithered ring laser gyroscope features providing an oscillatory motion directly to a segment of the excited gas which serves as the laser photon source. Alternately switching ionizing potential between two cathodes in appropriately designed cavities establishes desired oscillatory gas velocities to effect emitted frequencies within the gyro, thereby permitting the detection of rotational rates below the "lock-in" rate of the undithered gyro.