Microelectromechanical system gravimeters as a new tool for gravity imaging. (16th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Middlemiss, Richard P.; Bramsiepe, Steven G.; Douglas, Rebecca; Hild, Stefan; Hough, James; Paul, Douglas J.; Samarelli, Antonio; Rowan, Sheila; Hammond, Giles D.
• Is Part Of: Philosophical transactions. Volume 376:Number 2120(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-04-16
• Subjects: geometric anti-spring -- accelerometer -- gravimeter -- microelectromechanical system -- sensor -- transducer; Physical sciences -- Periodicals; Engineering -- Periodicals; Mathematics -- Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2017.0291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-503X

Abstract

Abstract : A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) gravimeter has been manufactured with a sensitivity of 40 ppb in an integration time of 1 s. This sensor has been used to measure the Earth tides: the elastic deformation of the globe due to tidal forces. No such measurement has been demonstrated before now with a MEMS gravimeter. Since this measurement, the gravimeter has been miniaturized and tested in the field. Measurements of the free-air and Bouguer effects have been demonstrated by monitoring the change in gravitational acceleration measured while going up and down a lift shaft of 20.7 m, and up and down a local hill of 275 m. These tests demonstrate that the device has the potential to be a useful field-portable instrument. The development of an even smaller device is underway, with a total package size similar to that of a smartphone. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'The promises of gravitational-wave astronomy'.