Laser gyro microprocessor based smart mode acquisition and high performance mode hopping
US5450198A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C19/665
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser digital path length control method and apparatus for precisely controlling a laser path length to obtain a laser mode and change a laser mode. The invention uses a microprocessor to control a path length control circuit that continuously adjusts the position of path length control mirrors. The mirrors may be positioned in response to the microprocessor to acquire a particular mode of the laser or change the mode of the laser. While the gyro mode is changed the microprocessor increases the gyro run current to prevent loss of gyro function returning the current to its normal value following the mode change. The microprocessor adjusts the position of the two path length control mirrors such that total path length follows a predetermined or dynamic range. The invention allows the calculation of volts per mode of the laser by providing a means to monitor laser intensity as a function of voltage supplied to the laser path length controllers. The method and apparatus of the invention may be used in a laser gyro to improve system path length control and to help compensate for changes in system component parameters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.