Fiber Optic Gyroscopes
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Precision Rotation Sensing with Fiber Optic Gyroscopes
Fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs) are advanced sensing devices used to measure angular velocity with exceptional accuracy and reliability. Based on the Sagnac effect, these compact, solid-state gyroscopes leverage the properties of light traveling through fiber coils to detect rotational movement without any moving parts. As a result, FOGs offer high stability, low drift, and resistance to shock and vibration - making them ideal for navigation, aerospace, robotics, marine, and defense applications.
At the core of a fiber optic gyroscope is a coil of optical fiber through which two beams of light travel in opposite directions. When the system rotates, the effective path length of each beam changes slightly due to the rotation, producing a measurable phase shift. This phase shift is directly proportional to the angular velocity of the rotation, enabling the device to calculate precise motion.
Unlike traditional mechanical gyroscopes, FOGs require no rotating masses or fluid-based systems, which significantly reduces maintenance and increases long-term reliability. Their rugged, lightweight design and immunity to electromagnetic interference make them particularly well-suited for harsh environments and mobile platforms, such as UAVs, autonomous vehicles, missiles, and spacecraft.
Fiber optic gyroscopes come in a variety of configurations and sensitivity levels, from low-cost, compact units for commercial drones to high-performance tactical and navigation-grade systems for aerospace and military use. They can be integrated into inertial navigation systems (INS), inertial measurement units (IMUs), and attitude heading reference systems (AHRS) to deliver real-time orientation and motion data.
Key performance indicators when selecting a FOG include bias stability, scale factor linearity, angular random walk, bandwidth, and start-up time. Other considerations include operating temperature range, shock and vibration tolerance, and interface compatibility (analog, RS-422, CAN, etc.).
At FindLight, you’ll find a curated selection of fiber optic gyroscopes from leading manufacturers known for innovation and reliability. Whether your project demands compact form factors, tactical-grade performance, or integration-ready modules, our offerings are tailored to meet the rigorous demands of precision rotation sensing.
Explore FindLight’s fiber optic gyroscopes to find the right solution for your navigation or motion-sensing application. Experience unmatched precision and durability with cutting-edge FOG technology designed for the most demanding operational environments.