Optical Gyro Distributed Temperature Compensation for Precision Orbital Power Beaming

IFOS and STTR RI Rose Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) propose to develop an innovative, optical temperature-compensating astronomical adaptive optics and data optimization system for lunar orbital power beaming: Thermal Fiber Optic Stabilization Distributed Temperature Compensation system or ThermaFOS™. ThermaFOS features a high-performance Inertial Reference Unit (IRU) and distributed temperature sensing (DTS) within and outside of the power beaming satellite structure to provide high-resolution, high SNR, Raman distributed temperature compensation (R-DTC) data. Our IRU will use R-DTC to improve bias stability of onboard gyroscopes to improve their positioning capabilities. DTS will provide crucial temperature data that will be used to reduce data error due to changes in temperature. IFOS is leveraging a breakthrough in temperature sensing via optical means inside a fiber coil with its extensive expertise in custom photonics integrated chips to produce a new miniaturized fiber optic gyro capability that could match the performance of much larger systems. IFOS’ PIC interrogator is currently smartphone-sized device with a clear roadmap to further miniaturization, via its space-qualified Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC), to almost the size of a matchbox, but with the same functionality. The innovative use of R-DTC inside the coil allows for far greater resolution than a current solution of using handful of discrete electronic temperature sensors mounted in proximity to the sensing fiber coils. Space-rated FOGs are few in number and very expensive. Given the lack of competition, existing manufacturers have little incentive to innovate. IFOS has developed a technology concept that could dramatically reduce SWaP-C required to achieve high-precision angular rate sensing. This technology would be of benefit to numerous NASA missions as well as many commercial satellite manufacturers.

IFOS’ ThermaFOS will provide performance enhancements by enabling significant SWaP reductions and reliability enhancement compared to conventional mechanical gyros. It will support stabilized platforms including space telescopes as well as spin-off applications in extra-vehicular and planetary exploration robots. Primes have also verified the key benefits of the IFOS technology to various NASA SmallSat/CubeSat programs. ThermaFOS will find application in measurement while drilling (MWD), active suspension systems, large 6-DOF vibration test systems, robotic control sensors, aircraft INS, automobiles, micro-satellites, and light-weight UAVs.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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