Micro-Seismometers via Advanced Meso-Scale Fabrication
Abstract
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) seek revolutionary innovations with respect to miniature seismic sensors for the monitoring of nuclear detonations. Specifically, the performance specifications are to be consistent with those obtainable by only an elite few products available today but with orders of magnitude reduction in size, weight, power, and cost. The proposed commercial innovation calls upon several advanced fabrication methods and read-out technologies being pioneered by Silicon Audio, including the combination of silicon microfabrication, advanced meso-scale fabrication and assembly, and the use of advanced photonics-based displacement / motion detection methods. Early Phase II development has demonstrated 1) verified and repeatable sub 2ng/√Hz noise floor from 5 to 100Hz, 2) compact integration of 3-axis prototypes and 3) robust deployment exercises. Ongoing developments are focusing on low frequency challenges, low power consumption ultra-miniature size, and low cross axis sensitivity. Successful implementation will result in a demonstration unit roughly the size of a 9-volt battery with the ability to address advanced national security needs of the DOE/NNSA. Additional applications envisioned include military/defense, scientific instrumentation, oil and gas exploration inertial navigation, and civil infrastructure monitoring.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA569627
Entities
People
- Brad Avenson
- Bryan A. Yocom
- Caesar T. Garcia
- Guclu Onaran
- Neal A. Hall