History of NMR Gyroscope Development in Russia in 1960–2000s

Abstract

This paper is dedicated to the history of development of a gyroscope based on the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) effect, in the USSR and Russia. The paper presents early references to the idea of using the electrons and other elementary particles, as well as atoms as a working substance in gyroscopy. The main stages of development of a NMR-gyroscope construction principles are briefly described. Works on spin oscillators and stabilizers based on mercury isotopes and on exchange-oriented nuclei of noble gases are discussed. The paper shows how these stages are linked with emerging new areas (disciplines) of applied nuclear physics, such as spectroscopy (electronic paramagnetic resonance and NMR), optical pumping, and exchange orientation.