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Torsion Pendulum Apparatus for Ground Testing of Space Inertial Sensor
Shaoxin Wang1,2, Zuolei Wang3, Dongxu Liu1,2,4
1Center for Gravitational Wave Experiment, National Microgravity Laboratory, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100190, China.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 17, 2024
Summary
A new torsion pendulum apparatus was developed to test space inertial sensors. It achieves high sensitivity for gravitational wave detection, ensuring reliable performance for future space missions.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Gravitational Wave Detection
- Space Instrumentation
Background:
- Precise test mass movement is critical for space-based gravitational wave detection.
- Stray force noise mitigation is essential for inertial sensor performance.
- Ground-based verification is necessary for space mission reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a ground-based apparatus for testing space inertial sensors.
- To characterize the noise performance of a novel torsion pendulum.
- To validate the suitability of the apparatus for inertial sensor verification.
Main Methods:
- Development of a low-frequency torsion pendulum apparatus.
- Utilization of a commercial autocollimator for optical readout.
- Laboratory testing to measure background noise and sensitivity.
Main Results:
- The torsion pendulum apparatus was successfully constructed and tested.
- Achieved a sensitivity of 1 × 10-11 Nm/Hz1/2 in the 1 mHz to 0.1 Hz band.
- Demonstrated suitability for testing space inertial sensors.
Conclusions:
- The developed torsion pendulum is a viable tool for ground-based verification of space inertial sensors.
- The apparatus meets the sensitivity requirements for critical space missions.
- Insights gained will guide future improvements in inertial sensor system design.
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