Parameters optimization of interferometric fiber optic gyroscope for improvement of random walk coefficient degradation in space radiation environment

A random walk coefficient (RWC) prediction model of interferometric fiber optic gyroscope (IFOG) in radiation environment has been developed, combining a radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) model of fiber and a RWC expression of digital closed-loop IFOG, and verified by the radiation experiments results of two fiber coils and an experimental IFOG. Using the RWC prediction model the effects of source power, fiber length and modulation phase on the RWC of IFOG were investigated in space radiation environments. Based on the prediction model and its parameters analysis, a parameters optimization method was proposed for IFOG design to improve the RWC degradation in space radiation environments. Finally, the three parameters of the experimental IFOG were redesigned according to the optimization method.

► An original IFOG RWC prediction model for space application was developed and verified.
► The effects of the source power, the fiber length and the modulation phase on RWC were analyzed.
► A novel parameters optimization method to minimize RWC was proposed and verified.
► Optimization results for an IFOG design were given and compared with an unoptimizable design.