Fiber-optic Gyroscope
A fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) is a type of sensor that uses the interference of light to detect mechanical rotation. In the context of aerospace engineering, FOGs are used for precision motion sensing in navigation systems of various aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. The principle of operation is based on the Sagnac effect, which states that a phase difference is induced between two light beams traveling in opposite directions when they are subjected to rotation. This phase difference is then converted into an electrical signal that can be used to determine the rate of rotation. FOGs have several advantages over traditional mechanical gyroscopes, including no moving parts, high reliability, and resistance to shock and vibration. However, they also have limitations such as sensitivity to temperature changes and the need for complex signal processing. Despite these challenges, the use of FOGs in aerospace applications continues to grow due to their high performance and suitability for harsh environments.
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