CURRENT CONTROL BIASING TO PROTECT ELECTRODE SEALS OF A RING LASER GYROSCOPE

摘要

Current control biasing of a ring laser gyroscope is employed to protect electrode seals. A frame of a ring laser gyroscope has more than one electrode attached to it. An electric field is created between the electrodes during the operation of the gyroscope, which causes ions in the frame to migrate towards a lowest electrical potential. Electrode seals are located between the electrodes and the frame. By providing a positive power supply voltage and connecting the current control to the non-ground side of the power supply, the mounting structure may be at the lowest electrical potential. The ions will then migrate towards the mounting structure, which significantly reduces migration to the electrodes.