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Nanohertz frequency determination for the gravity probe B high frequency superconducting quantum interference device
M Salomon1, J W Conklin, J Kozaczuk
1Department of Aeronautics Astronautics, Stanford University, Durand Building, 496 Lomita Mall, Stanford, California 94305-4035, USA. michael.salomon@stanfordalumni.org
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|January 10, 2012
Summary
A new method precisely measures digital signal frequency and decay rates using three algorithms. This technique achieved 5 parts in 10(10) frequency resolution, crucial for experiments like the Gravity Probe B mission.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Signal Processing
- Metrology
Background:
- Accurate frequency and frequency change rate measurements are critical for high-precision scientific experiments.
- The Gravity Probe B (GP-B) mission requires precise measurement of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel method for measuring the frequency and frequency change rate of digital signals.
- To demonstrate the application of this method to the high-frequency component of the GP-B SQUID signal.
Main Methods:
- A three-algorithm sequence: frequency interpolation, phase differencing, and a novel author-developed algorithm.
- Application to sampled scalar signals where signal harmonics relate to an underlying physical phenomenon.
- Processing of 1.86-second signal stretches sampled at 2200 Hz.
Main Results:
- Achieved a frequency determination resolution of 5 parts in 10(10).
- Demonstrated 30 nHz resolution in signal frequency and 0.1 pHz/s resolution in decay rate for the GP-B HF signal.
- Validated the method's effectiveness in a real-world, high-precision scientific context.
Conclusions:
- The presented three-algorithm method offers unprecedented resolution for digital signal frequency and decay rate measurements.
- This technique is suitable for analyzing signals in experiments requiring extreme precision, such as the GP-B mission.
- The method's theoretical underpinnings and practical application are detailed for broader scientific adoption.
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