Simplified readout optics for a ring laser apparatus

Patent · Tue Jun 30 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:6288496

Podgorski, T J

This patent describes a ring laser angular rate sensor comprising: a laser block for providing a ring laser path for first and second counter-propagating laser beams through interconnecting channels; and a readout having, a substrate including at least first, second, third surfaces, having portions bonded to the block in proximity to the interconnecting channels, with second surface at an acute angle relative to the first surface. The beam splitter means is supported for reflecting a major portion of first and second laser beams impinging on the beam splitter from one of the channels into an adjacent channel. It transmits a smaller portion of the first beam into the substrate to exit through the third surface, and transmits a smaller portion of the second beam into the substrate toward the second surface. The reflection means, supported on the second surface through the substrate to impinge on the beam splitter; and the beam splitter means comprises means for reflecting a portion of the beam reflected from the reflection means toward the third surface and adjacent to the portion of the first beam that is transmitted through the beam splitter means. The acute angle is selected to cause the first and second beam portions to exit through the third surface and closely adjacent to each other to produce interference fringes.

• Assignee: Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, MN
• Patent Number(s): US 4677641
• OSTI ID: 6288496
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420300* -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
BEAM SPLITTING
BONDING
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FABRICATION
INCIDENCE ANGLE
INTERFERENCE
JOINING
LASER RADIATION
LASERS
OPTICS
RADIATIONS
READOUT SYSTEMS
REFLECTION
RING LASERS
SUBSTRATES
SURFACES