Study on a photon actuator for control of geophysical instruments

• Project/Area Number: 21740321
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Solid earth and planetary physics
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: TAKAMORI Akiteru 東京大学, 地震研究所, 助教 (00372425)
• Project Period (FY): 2009 – 2011
• Project Status: Completed (Fiscal Year 2011)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,550,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,050,000); Fiscal Year 2010: ¥1,300,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥300,000); Fiscal Year 2009: ¥3,250,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥750,000)
• Keywords: 固体地球物理学 / 地球観測 / 光アクチュエータ / 観測手法

Research Abstract

Feasibility and potential performance of a photon actuator that utilizes radiation pressure to generate feedback forces necessary in geophysical instrumentation such as seismometers, tiltmeters, accelerometers (gravimeters) on satellites has been studied in this project. By testing controllability of a tiny proof mass that is supported by a magnetic levitation system, the feasibility and effectiveness of the photon actuator was successfully demonstrated.