Victor Vali

Integrated optics rotation sensor (IORS) for dual use in military and commercial applications

In this paper, we present our design of an integrated optics rotation sensor (IORS). Based on rugged glass-on-silicon technology, this gyro represents a versatile, low cost approach to high tech commercialization. The IORS is suited for a number of applications, including robotics, navigation, and guidance, and as an automotive safety device. In terms of compactness and ease of use, the IORS presents an improved approach to rotation sensing over other gyro technologies. In this paper, we present the basic operation of the gyro, along with a brief explanation of its use as an automotive yaw sensor.

Integrated Optics Rotation Sensor (IORS)

The Integrated Optics Rotation SEnsor (IORS) is a rugged, lightweight, and low cost gyro instrument which is currently being sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under funding from Small Business Innovative Research/Technology Reinvestment Program. It uses glass-on- silicon optical waveguide technology. The design of the IORS is quite simple, and can potentially be adapted to a number of military and commercial applications, including yaw rate sensing for an anti-skid safety device in automobiles, rotation rate sensing for robotics, weapon aiming,and guidance of smart munitions. The basic design is presented, along with preliminary performance specifications for an IORS prototype. The characteristics of the IORS is also compared to other gyros in terms of performance, size, weight, and price.