Effects of temperature variations in high-sensitivity Sagnac gyroscope

Abstract GINGERINO is one of the most sensitive Sagnac laser-gyroscopes based on an heterolithic mechanical structure. It is a prototype for GINGER, the laser gyroscopes array proposed to reconstruct the Earth rotation vector and in this way to measure General Relativity effects. Many factors affect the final sensitivity of laser gyroscopes, in particular, when they are used in long-term measurements, slow varying environmental parameters come into play. To understand the role of different terms allows to design more effective mechanical as well as optical layouts, while a proper model of the dynamics affecting long-term (low frequency) signals would increase the effectiveness of the data analysis for improving the overall sensitivity. In this contribution, we focus our concerns on the effects of room temperature and pressure aiming at further improving mechanical design and long-term stability of the apparatus. Our data are compatible with a local orientation changes of the Gran Sasso site below $$\mu $$ μ rad as predicted by geodetic models. This value is consistent with the requirements for GINGER and the installation of an high-sensitivity Sagnac gyroscope oriented at the maximum signal, i.e. along the Earth rotation axes.