Three-axis superconducting gravity gradiometer
This patent describes a gradiometer having a sensitive axis for detecting a gravity gradient along the sensitive axis, comprising: a pair of accelerometers having respective sensitive axes; each accelerometer including a proof mass having a pair of hollowed out annular portions; each proof mass having at least one sensing coil arranged adjacent a bottom-side surface of the respective proof mass in one of the hollowed out portions and a levitation coil arranged adjacent a second bottom-side surface of the respective proof mass in the other hollowed out portion, at least one sensing coil and the levitation coil thus being located on the same side of the respective proof mass in relation to the direction of an external force exerted on the gradiometer thereby to compensate for temperature induced changes in magnetic field penetration into the respective proof mass; at least one first superconducting circuit in which the sensing coils of the accelerometers are interconnected and in which a first persistent current flows, the first circuit having an output indicative of a gravity gradient along the sensitive axis of the gradiometer.
- Assignee:
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4841772
- Application Number:
- TRN: 89-026383
- OSTI ID:
- 5521382
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 3 Dec 1987
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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