Laser gyroscope - definition of
Laser gyroscope - definition of
Laser gyroscope is a precision inertial device used to measure the angular velocity of rotation about one or more axes. Unlike mechanical gyroscopes that use rotating masses, the laser gyroscope bases its operation on the phenomenon of interference of light waves in a closed optical resonator system. The key physical effect used in this type of design is the Sagnac effect, involving the difference in optical paths traveled by two counter-rotating laser beams in a rotating reference system.
The basic configuration of a laser gyroscope includes an optical circuit - usually in the form of a closed triangle or square - in which two coherent beams of light moving in opposite directions are generated. At rest, the optical lengths of the two paths are identical and interference shows no phase shift. When the system is rotated around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the circumference, sagnac effect causes a change in the relative optical path for each beam, which leads to a phase shift proportional to the angular velocity.
By recording this phase shift, it is possible to determine the precise rotation without the need for moving mechanical parts. As a result, laser gyroscopes are characterized by very high stability, resistance to vibrations and long service life, which makes them particularly useful in aviation, marine navigation, space systems, as well as in autonomous vehicle technology.
Laser gyroscopes are included in the optical gyroscope group, which also includes devices using fiber optics (FOG - Fiber Optic Gyroscope). Compared to them, laser gyroscope design requires precise alignment of mirror resonators and stabilization of laser parameters, but provides higher sensitivity and accuracy for applications requiring detection of very small changes in orientation.
Transfer Multisort Elektronik (TME) is one of the world’s largest global distributors of electronic components, electrotechnical parts, workshop equipment, and industrial automation. The catalog includes over 1,500,000 products from 1,300 leading manufacturers. TME’s modern logistics centers in Łódź and Rzgów (Poland), with a combined area of over 40,000 m², ship nearly 6,000 packages daily to customers in more than 150 countries.
TME also invests in the development of knowledge and skills of young engineers and electronics enthusiasts through the TME Education project, and supports the tech community by organizing the TechMasterEvent series, promoting innovation and experience exchange.
