New frontiers of Photonics Compact Sensors for Inertial Navigation Systems: Innovations and applications

Abstract

Photonic integration is paving the way for a new generation of compact and highly efficient inertial sensors, enabling advancements in navigation technologies. This webinar explores the potential of integrated photonic technologies, highlighting their benefits in terms of miniaturization and enhanced performance for inertial navigation systems. This seminar will start providing a brief overview of inertial navigation systems, the algorithms and the sensors they rely on, highlighting how photonic integration enhances miniaturization and performance. Furthermore, real-world applications will be discussed, focusing on their impact on advanced navigation scenarios. These include their use in space applications, such as enhancing the precision and reliability of small satellite manoeuvres, as well as in aerial navigation, where photonic sensors offer promising solutions for next-generation drone operations. By leveraging photonic integration, these innovations contribute to more precise, lightweight, and robust inertial navigation solutions for aerospace and autonomous systems.

  • May 16, 2025

  • 14:15 CET

Agenda

  • Introduction to Inertial Navigation Systems: Sensors, Aidings and opportunities from sensor integration and miniaturization Leonardo Daga – Gem elettronica

    14:15 – 14:45

  • Applications of photonic inertial sensors for small satellite close-proximity operations – Sebastian Grau – Endurosat

    14:45 – 15:15

  • Inertial navigation with drones: state of the art and future perspectives using photonic sensors – Matteo Pacini – Sigma Ingegneria

    15:15 – 15:45

  • Q&A – Gem Elettronica, Endurosat, Sigma Ingegneria

    15:45 – 16:00

Speakers

Biography

Director of the PRANS (Photonics Research & Applied Navigation Science) Lab at GEM elettronica, currently leading a multidisciplinary team involved in multiple research projects on quantum and photonic technologies for inertial navigation. Research activities focus on Kalman filtering, fiber optic gyroscopes, MEMS-based navigation, and multi-sensor integration. Previous contributions include the development of maritime and ROV navigation systems at Fugro and work on satellite EGSE software in collaboration with Thales/Alenia Space and ESA. Further experience includes the design of navigation algorithms and sensor simulations for Galileo Avionica. Academic background includes a PhD in System Engineering and a Laurea in Aeronautics Engineering from Sapienza Università di Roma.

Topics

The seminar will begin with a brief overview of inertial navigation systems, focusing on their architecture, which typically includes tri-axial accelerometers and gyroscopes responsible for estimating position, velocity, and orientation. Particular attention will be given to the working principle of optical gyroscopes, which exploit the interference of light to detect rotational motion with high precision. The talk will also introduce the concept of photonic integration, illustrating how INPHOMIR aims to miniaturize these sensors by integrating optical components onto a single chip, paving the way for compact, low-power, and scalable navigation solutions.

Biography

Sebastian Grau joined the Berlin office of EnduroSat in 2024 as Principal AOCS Architect and holds a PhD in space engineering from TU Berlin.

From 2022 to 2024 he worked as lead of the Distributed Space Systems research group at the Chair of Space Technology, TU Berlin where he taught satellite system design and attitude and orbit determination and control classes.

Before that he was working as a control software engineer for die casting machines at Oskar Frech GmbH, Schorndorf, Germany from 2020 to 2022.

Sebastian was working as project manager, research assistant, and lecturer at the Chair of Space Technology, TU Berlin from 2012 to 2020 while obtaining his PhD.

Topics

  • What is a small satellite and what can it be used for?
  • State of the art of sensors for small satellite proximity operations
  • Integrated optical gyroscopes for attitude determination
  • Mid-infrared FMCW LiDAR for relative navigation in close proximity operations
  • Outlook

Biography

Matteo Pacini is the head of the design team for automation and robotics at Sigma Ingegneria, where he has been working since 2017. He holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Pisa, earned in 2012. He began his career in the aerospace sector, working on the development of control systems for drones at Sistemi Dinamici–Leonardo S.p.A.

Over the years, he has gained solid experience ranging from mechatronic engineering to the integration of complex systems, with an approach that combines hands-on design and applied research. At Sigma, he has played a key role in creating innovative solutions and shaping research and development projects at the regional, national, and European levels.

With a strong focus on technological innovation and a systems-oriented mindset, he currently leads a multidisciplinary team with the goal of developing high-tech automated solutions for the manufacturing industry and other sectors.

Topics

  • Overview of drones by Sigma Ingegneria
  • Limitations of current sensor technologies
  • Performance targets of new photonic sensors
  • Application areas for drones

Organized by