A nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope

A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) gyroscope is under development for use as a low cost angle sensor in strapdown inertial measurement systems. The gyro operates on the principle that the magnetic moments of certain atoms precess at a known frequency in a magnetic field and that changes in phase of this frequency can be sensed to determine the inertial angular displacement of the device about the direction of the field. Optically pumped magnetometer techniques are used for detection and for precise control of the magnetic field. A breadboard model of an NMR gyro has recently been built and is currently undergoing test and evaluation. Preliminary data of gyro bias drift rate characteristics includes a nine hour segment with a drift rate relative to the average bias of about 0.05 deg/hr.