Optomechanical fiber gyroscope

A miniature mechanical gyroscope that utilizes optical means to detect rotation-induced displacements in a mechanical structure. It utilizes the Foucault pendulum principle used in some existing MEMS gyroscopes: a rotating reference frame induces a Coriolis force that oscillates the structure about an axis orthogonal to the driving-mode axis. The main difference with similar MEMS gyroscopes is that rotation-induced oscillation is sensed using a pair of high-finesse fiber Fabry-Perot displacement sensors instead of a capacitive device. The drive axis is also driven by radiation pressure inside a set of auxiliary fiber Fabry-Perot cavities, making this device immune to electromagnetic interference. This structure solves several problems associated with MEMS gyroscopes utilizing electrostatic sensing methods.

This patent is available for licensing through Stanford's exclusive licensee.
Please contact Dennis Fortner at: Dennis.Fortner@ngc.com for licensing information.