Which advanced gyroscope technology uses light traveling in opposite directions around a fixed resonant cavity to measure rotation via the Sagnac effect?

Answer

Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLG)

Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLGs) represent a departure from mechanical rotation, relying instead on optical principles to sense angular rate. Demonstrated first in the early 1960s, RLGs create a fixed resonant cavity, typically triangular or square. Laser light is sent traveling in opposite directions simultaneously around this closed path. Rotation of the entire device causes a relative change in the effective path lengths for the two opposing beams. This difference in path length is detected as a frequency difference between the beams, a phenomenon precisely quantified by the Sagnac effect. This design principle was considered advanced enough to be equipped on the Boeing 757-200 starting in 1983, demonstrating its high accuracy compared to improving mechanical designs.

Which advanced gyroscope technology uses light traveling in opposite directions around a fixed resonant cavity to measure rotation via the Sagnac effect?

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