Fiberless Optical Gyroscope

We propose a radical new approach for to the design and fabrication of a fiber-less Interferometric Optical Gyroscope (IOG) that enables the production of a very small IMU with better performance, higher reliability, high level of robustness and lower cost. Gener8 and InFiber Technology estimate that an order-of-magnitude better cost and size to performance ratio of IOG sensors and their corresponding assemblies can be achieved when compared to the conventional IFOG implementations.

The proposal will develop the key enabling component in a low cost, high precision inertial navigation system (< 0.10 degree accuracy, resolution). Low cost, higher precision and low weight/power (SWaP) optical inertial sensors have been identified in the NASA roadmap as important components that are needed for future NASA applications, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Sounding Rocket and many other Autonomous missions.

The Navigational and high-end tactical IMU market is an expanding market with a push for improved performance. This expansion will be driven by cost and size reduction. The proposed IOG technology will be the smallest volume IMU on the market today. It will enable new commercial and DoD applications including airborne PODs, Line of Sight stabilization, weapon designation, Interceptor technology, individual soldier navigation, battlefield management, turret stabilization, missiles, UAV, and AHARS.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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