Ring laser gyroscope (RLG)

What is the definition of RLG?

Stands for ring laser gyroscope. A RLG is an optical gyroscope that uses narrowband light waveforms travelling a path, created using mirrors, to measure rotation based on the Sagnac effect.

Image depicting the basic operation of a ring laser gyroscope.

• A laser source (A) emits beams of light simultaneously in opposite directions.
• The light bounces off mirrors (B) that direct it to an optical receiver (C).

Any rotation of the device will cause the light beams to reach the optical receiver at different times due to the Sagnac effect, which can be extrapolated into a measurement of rotation

What are the applications for RLG?

• Autonomous Systems
• Autonomous Agriculture
• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Defence
• Marine
• Subsea
• Surveying

What other terms are related to RLG?

• FOG
• Gyroscope
• Sagnac Effect

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