# Microscopic Optical Gyroscopes The New Caltech Gyroscope Could Rapidly Change Electronics By Justin Lam | Published 2018-11-05 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caltech-gyroscope References: [digitaltrends](https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/caltech-gyroscope-smaller-than-rice/) & [techspot](https://www.techspot.com/news/77144-new-optical-gyroscope-more-accurate-small-grain-rice.html) [Electronics components are growing increasingly smaller](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibration-sensors) but this new [Caltech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Quantum-Computing-Architecture) gyroscope takes this idea further than anything seen before. These devices are generally used to measure or maintain orientation and angular velocity and are being used in everything from mechanical systems to smartphones. These components are generally as large as a golf ball, but this new Caltech gyroscope is significantly smaller, coming in at the size of a grain of rice. Unlike traditional mechanical gyroscopes, this design is an [optical gyroscope](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gyroscope) and works thanks to the Sagnac effect. This effect offers results proportional to the size of the device and the incredibly compact nature of the Caltech gyroscope allows for a more accurate system. Image Credit: Caltech ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Microscopic Optical Gyroscopes:** Optical gyroscopes are becoming smaller and more accurate, presenting opportunities for compact and precise electronic devices. - **Miniaturization of Electronics:** The trend towards smaller electronic components is being furthered with the development of microscopic optical gyroscopes. - **Optical Sensors:** Optical sensors, such as the Caltech gyroscope, may replace traditional mechanical sensors due to their smaller size and increased accuracy. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Electronics:** The electronic industry can benefit greatly from the production of more accurate and compact components such as microscopic optical gyroscopes. - **Aerospace:** The aerospace industry can utilize the advance of this technology to better navigate aircrafts and spacecrafts. - **Medical Devices:** The medical industry can incorporate microscopic optical gyroscopes in medical devices for enhanced precision and mobility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smartphone Gimbal Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sphere-gimbal.md) - [Eye-Tracking Device Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyetracking-solution.md) - [Microscale Swimming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-robots-1.md) - [Solo Vlogger Smartphone Gimbals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gimbal-griptok.md) - [Full-Range Micro Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-speakers.md) - [Thumb-Sized Action Cams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-action-camera.md) - [Three-Dimensional Nano-Sculpting Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helical-diodes.md) - [Motion Tracking Eye Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magtrack.md) - [Motion-Tracking Ring Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suite-of-technological-tools.md)