Chinese scientists have unveiled a new fibre-optic gyroscope capable of maintaining performance stability across a wide range of temperatures. The device is developed jointly by the Tianjin Navigation Instruments Research Institute and Jinan University.
Gyroscopes, fundamental to navigation systems, function by detecting orientation and rotational movement. This allows vehicles from aircraft to oil rigs to navigate without relying on external signals like GPS. Such inertial navigation systems are especially critical in scenarios where external interference is a risk, such as in military operations or secure facilities.
Traditionally, gyroscopes have depended on mechanical components to measure motion. However, fibre-optic gyroscopes (FOGs) have become a modern alternative due to their durability and precision. These devices operate by analyzing how light behaves as it travels through coiled optical fibres—no moving parts required.
One widely adopted variant, the interferometric fibre-optic gyroscope (IFOG), has found its way into everything from aerospace systems and naval vessels to oil platforms and autonomous vehicles. The new development adds a critical feature to this already versatile technology: temperature stability. This enhancement means the gyroscope can deliver accurate data even in extreme environmental conditions, making it ideal for harsh deployment scenarios.
