Patent ID: 6259089
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
A gyroscope comprising:a) an optical source;b) a primary optical waveguide having,1) an extended optical waveguide having a first end and a second end, and,2) a primary beamsplitter adapted to communicate light from said optical source to the first end and the second end of said extended optical waveguide; and,c) a sensing system having,1) a first beamsplitter interposed between said primary beamsplitter and the first end of said extended waveguide, said first beamsplitter adapted to withdraw light emitting from the first end of said extended optical waveguide,2) a first optical waveguide having a first end receiving light from said first beamsplitter,3) a second beamsplitter interposed between said primary beamsplitter and the second end of said extended waveguide, said second beamsplitter adapted to withdraw light emitting from the second end of said extended optical waveguide,4) a second optical waveguide having a first end receiving light from said second beamsplitter, and,5) a beam combiner adapted to receive light from a second end of said first optical waveguide and a second end of said second optical waveguide and generating a combined optical signal therefrom; and,d) a detector being responsive to said combined optical signal.