We propose a radical new approach for to the design and fabrication of an integrated solid state IMU based on Interferometric Solid State waveguide Optical Gyroscope (iSOG). The gyro combines all the optical elements on one wafer. Such a gyro enables the development of 5 inch cube IMU with near tactical grade performance, higher reliability, high level of robustness and lower cost. Modeling predicts that the iSOG will have more than an order-of-magnitude improvement in bias stability over temperature (for the same volume) when compared to the highest performance commercially available MEMs gyroscope in the same volume. The iSOG is also inherently radiation hardened, vibration hardened and is the ideal technology for future CubeSat and SmallSat applications at NASA.
This proposal will develop the key enabling component in a low cost, high precision inertial navigation system that would have 10 x better performance over MEMs navigation systems. Low cost, higher precision and low weight/power (SWaP) inertial sensors are necessary components for future NASA applications that include SmallSat, CubeSat, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Luna exploration and Sounding Rocket applicatons.
The proposed iSOG technology will result in the smallest volume, tactical grade, vibration robust optical gyroscope in the market today. It enables new DoD applications for UAV, airborne PODs, Line of Sight stabilization, weapon designation, individual soldier navigation, and turret stabilization. Another large, expanding commercial opportunity is Self-Driving Vehicles market.