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U.S. Department of Energy
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Ring laser lock-in correction apparatus

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6728160
A lock-in error correction apparatus is described for an angular rate sensor of the class wherein two waves propagate in opposite directions along a closed-loop path, each of the waves having an intensity associated therewith which includes intensity variations related to the coupling of energy of each of the waves into the other along the closed-loop path. The frequency of each of the waves and corresponding phase rate related to the phase difference between the waves is a function of the rate of rotation of the closed-loop path. Associated with the sensor is a phase rate error related to the coupling of energy. The apparatus comprises: phase rate biasing means having output means coupled to the sensor for altering the phase rate to provide a phase rate bias in response to at least a first compensation signal; and phase rate error detection means having input means responsive to at least one of the waves for providing a first compensation signal related to, at least in part, the phase rate error so as to direct phase rate biasing means to produce the phase rate bias so as to have magnitude and sign which is substantially equal in magnitude, but opposite in sign, of the phase rate error.
Assignee:
Honeywell, Inc., Minneapolis, MN
Patent Number(s):
US 4641970
OSTI ID:
6728160
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English