A sapphire monolithic differential accelerometer as core sensor for gravity gradiometric geophysical instrumentation
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Abstract
Gradiometric gravimetry is a survey technique widely used in geological structure investigation. This work demonstrates
the feasibility of a new class of low frequency accelerometers for geodynamics studies and space applications.
We present the design features of a new low noise single-axis differential accelerometer; the sensor is suitable
to be used in a Gravity Gradiometer (GG) system for land geophysical survey and gravity gradient measurements.
A resolution of 1 Eötvös (1 Eö=10?9s?2) at one sample per second is achievable in a compact, lightweight
(less than 2 kg) portable instrument, operating at room temperature. The basic components of the sensor are two
identical rigidly connected accelerometers separated by a 15-cm baseline vector and the useful signal is extracted
as the subtraction of the two outputs, by means of an interferometric microwave readout system. The structure will
be engraved in a monocrystal of sapphire by means of Computer-Numerically-Controlled (CNC) ultrasonic machining:
the material was chosen because of its unique mix of outstanding mechanical and dielectric properties.
the feasibility of a new class of low frequency accelerometers for geodynamics studies and space applications.
We present the design features of a new low noise single-axis differential accelerometer; the sensor is suitable
to be used in a Gravity Gradiometer (GG) system for land geophysical survey and gravity gradient measurements.
A resolution of 1 Eötvös (1 Eö=10?9s?2) at one sample per second is achievable in a compact, lightweight
(less than 2 kg) portable instrument, operating at room temperature. The basic components of the sensor are two
identical rigidly connected accelerometers separated by a 15-cm baseline vector and the useful signal is extracted
as the subtraction of the two outputs, by means of an interferometric microwave readout system. The structure will
be engraved in a monocrystal of sapphire by means of Computer-Numerically-Controlled (CNC) ultrasonic machining:
the material was chosen because of its unique mix of outstanding mechanical and dielectric properties.
Article Details
How to Cite
Bertolini, A., Beverini, N., De Michele, A., Fidecaro, F. and Mango, F. (2006) “A sapphire monolithic differential accelerometer as core sensor for gravity gradiometric geophysical instrumentation”, Annals of Geophysics, 49(4-5). doi: 10.4401/ag-3111.
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