OPTOMECHANICAL TECHNOLOGIES
Optomechanical technologies study the interaction of electromagnetic radiation (for example, laser light) with mechanical systems. These technologies allow the fabrication of extremely sensitive devices in a compact footprint, like our optomechanical resonators shown in the picture. We study new materials and fabrication methods, design, and fabricate optomechanical resonators to push the frontier further on compact sensing technologies.
Fused silica resonator with a natural frequency of 5 Hz.
DISPLACEMENT SENSING
Interferometers are devices that extract information from interference and are widely used in science and industry to measure microscopic displacements.
We require compact and highly sensitive interferometers to measure the test mass displacement of our optomechanical sensors. We design and fabricate compact and sensitive interferometers like the one shown in the picture.
We require compact and highly sensitive interferometers to measure the test mass displacement of our optomechanical sensors. We design and fabricate compact and sensitive interferometers like the one shown in the picture.
Compact interferometer, including beam splitter, prisms, and quarter-wave plate.
INERTIAL SENSING
By combining our resonators and interferometers, we develop inertial sensors of high-mechanical quality-factor capable of measuring small accelerations up to 10-10m/s2. These compact and highly sensitive accelerometers are required in distinct fields such as astronomy, aerospace, and defense.
Accelerometer (inertial sensor) integrating an optomechanical resonator and a compact interferometer.
SYSTEM CHARACTERIZATION AND DATA ANALYSIS
We employ simulation and analysis software such as Python, Matlab, and COMSOL to design and characterize our devices, as well as perform data analysis in more complex systems such as the LIGO gravitational-wave detectors. We also use FPGA programming and LabView to acquire data, control our systems, and developed modules to automate our measurements.
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
GRAVITATIONAL-WAVE ASTRONOMY
Gravitational-wave detectors are one of the most sensitive devices, capable of measuring minuscule vibrations in the spacetime of the order of 10^-23. Ground and space-based observatories such as LIGO and LISA require the constant monitoring of external perturbations to their systems to acquire such great sensitivity. Our compact, monolithic, high-sensitive accelerometers are suitable for the task of monitoring external noise or the system’s motion for its correct alignment.
We also employ similar characterization and data analysis techniques on our systems and for these world-class observatories.
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Artist rendering of the Lisa Space Telescope. Credit: ESA
SPACE GEODESY AND PLANET EXPLORATION
Geodesy refers to the measurement of the shape, orientation, and gravitational field of the Earth. Space missions like InSight and GRACE-FO use highly sensitive accelerometers for geodesy-related studies. Our accelerometers possess sensitivities comparable to such instruments, with the advantage of being smaller and lighter.
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Artist’s impression of the NASA and GFZ mission GRACE-FO. The GRACE missions measure tiny variations in gravity over Earth’s surface arising from the constant redistribution of mass. Credit: NASA