Analysis and Enhancement of Cluster Dither Angular Velocity Amplitude for Three-Axis Ring Laser Gyroscopes

In this paper, to achieve the required angular velocity amplitude of a cluster dither used with an RLG having an optical path of approximately 10 cm, an equation for the angular velocity amplitude of the cluster dither was derived and the design variables affecting the angular velocity amplitude were analyzed theoretically. The analysis indicated that increasing the angular velocity amplitude requires optimization of the driving-PZT attachment position, reduction in the effective end mass, and consideration of the equivalent Q-factor of the dither structure. Based on the theoretical analysis, a cluster dither was designed and fabricated, and test evaluations were performed to validate the proposed angular velocity amplitude prediction method. The cluster dither was fabricated from SUS304 and employed spokes with a uniform geometry. Validation of the proposed angular velocity amplitude analysis and design method through M&S and test evaluation yielded a mean angular velocity amplitude prediction error of 4.1% relative to measured values when the equivalent Q-factor determined from testing was applied.