Dale Gill

Charge measurement and control for the Gravity Probe B gyroscopes

We describe a technique based on photoemission for controlling the charge of the Gravity Probe B electrostatically suspended gyroscopes, and three methods for measuring this charge. Charging is caused by cosmic radiation in orbit and by enhanced field emission in ground testing. Errors induced by disturbing torques require the potential of the gyroscope to be smaller than 15 mV (15 pC) during the space experiment. The disturbing drift rate produced by measuring and controlling the charge in orbit is smaller than 10−13 deg/h, as compared with the 10−11 deg/h systematic drift rate of the gyroscope. The charge control technique is based on ultraviolet photoemission of electrons from both the gyroscope and a charge control electrode on the gyroscope housing. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in ground testing and therefore its suitability for the space experiment. Calculations indicate that heating by absorbed photons is, in the worst case, smaller than 1 nW and thus not a problem for the experi...

Kelvin probe measurements : investigations of the patch effect with applications to ST-7 and LISA

One of the possible noise sources for the space-based gravitational wave detector LISA (the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna), associated with its test masses, is that due to spatial variations in surface potential (or patch effect) across the surfaces of the test mass and its housing. Such variations will lead to force gradients which may result in a significant acceleration noise term. Another noise source is that due to temporal variations in the surface potential, which in conjunction with any ambient dc voltage or net free charge on the test mass may also produce a significant acceleration noise term. The ST-7 demonstrator mission is designed to test technologies for LISA, including the gravitational reference sensor, which contains a gold-coated gold/platinum (Au/Pt) alloy test mass, surrounded by a housing that carries the electrodes for sensing and control. We have used a Kelvin probe at the Goddard Space Flight Center to make spatial and temporal measurements of contact potential differences for a selection of materials (Au/Pt, beryllia, alumina, titanium) and coatings (gold, diamond-like carbon, indium tin oxide, titanium carbide). Our investigations indicate that subject to certain assumptions all of these coatings appear to satisfy the ST-7 requirement that patch effect spatial variations should be less than 100 mV. The data also revealed evidence of behavioural trends with pressure and possible contamination effects. Regarding temporal variations, the current accuracy of the instrument is limiting the measurements at a level above the likely LISA requirements. We discuss our results and draw some conclusions of relevance to LISA.

Development of the Gravity Probe B flight mission

Abstract Gravity Probe B is an experiment to measure the geodetic and frame-dragging precessions, relative to the “fixed” “stars”, of a gyroscope placed in a 650 km altitude polar orbit about the earth. For Einsteins general relativity, the precessions are calculated to be 6.6 arcsec/yr for the geodetic precession and 0.042 arcsec/yr for the frame-dragging precession. The goal of the experiment is to measure these precessions to better than 0.01% and 1%, respectively. This paper gives an overview of the experiment and a discussion of the flight hardware development and its status. This paper also includes an estimate of the geodetic and frame-dragging errors expected for the experiment.

Progress in Developing the Modular Gravitational Reference Sensor

Modular Gravitational Reference Sensor (modular GRS) was proposed by the Stanford Team in 2004. In a modular GRS, the laser beam from the remote the sensor does not illuminate the proof mass directly. The internal measurement from the housing to proof mass is separated from the external interferometry. A double‐sided grating further simplifies the structure and may better preserve the measurement precision. We review the recent progress in developing the modular GRS at Stanford. We are developing optical sensors with picometer resolution, capable of operating with a large gap for high precision readout. We have conducted an initial experiment incorporating RF heterodyne detection and thus lowered the optical power compared with direct detection. We have demonstrated sub‐nanoradian sensitivity of a grating angular sensor. We have successfully demonstrated fabrication of localized grating patterns on dielectric and gold surfaces. We have made critical progress in optical measurement of the mass center (MC) ...

Charge neutralization in vacuum for non-conducting and isolated objects using directed low-energy electron and ion beams

We propose using ions and electrons of energy 1 eV–10 eV for neutralizing the charges on the non-conducting or isolated surfaces of high-sensitivity experiments. The mirror surfaces of the test masses of the laser interferometer gravitational observatory are used as an example of the implementation of this method. By alternatively directing beams of positive and negative charges towards the mirror surfaces, we ensure the neutralization of the total charge as well as the equalization of the surface charge distribution to within a few eV of the potential of the ground reference of the vacuum system. This method is compatible with operation in high vacuum, does not require measuring the potential of the mirrors and is expected not to damage sensitive optical surfaces.

Gravity Probe B Gyroscope charge control using field‐emission cathodes

We propose and test a method for controlling the charging of the Gravity Probe B(GP‐B) electrostatically suspended gyroscopes using electrons generated by field emission cathodes. The GP‐B Gyroscope Experiment is designed to measure for the first time the geodetic and the frame‐dragging effects predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity. The expected accuracy of ∼0.3 marcsec/yr (10−11 deg/h) will allow for a 0.01% measurement of the geodetic effect and a 1% measurement of the frame‐dragging effect. Gyroscope charging is caused by cosmic radiation, by field emission, and by the separation of dissimilar metals. The expected charging rate for the gyroscopes is ∼1 nC/yr and consequently above the 50 pC limit dictated by disturbing torque considerations. The present charge control technique is based on ultraviolet photoemission of electrons from both the gyroscope and an auxiliary electrode. Experiments have shown this method to be effective at room temperature in ground testing, and calculations ind...

ST-7 gravitational reference sensor: analysis of magnetic noise sources

A next generation gravitational reference sensor is being developed by Stanford University for the disturbance reduction system (DRS). The DRS will demonstrate the technology required for future gravity missions, including the planned LISA gravitational-wave observatory. The GRS consists of a freely floating test mass, a housing, sensing electrodes and associated electronics. Position measurements from the GRS are used to fly the spacecraft in a drag-free trajectory, where spacecraft position will be continuously adjusted to stay centred about the test mass, essentially flying in formation with it. Any departure of the test mass from a gravitational trajectory is characterized as acceleration noise, resulting from unwanted forces acting on the test mass. The GRS will have an inherent acceleration noise level more than four orders of magnitude lower than previously demonstrated in space. To achieve such a high level of performance, the interaction of the magnetized test mass with the magnetic fields produced by the spacecraft must be considered carefully. It is shown that a new noise source due to the interaction of the time-varying magnetic field gradient and the permanent dipole of the test mass must be added to the noise analysis. A simple current loop model shows that the design of the spacecraft and instrument electronics must be done with attention to the magnetic noise produced.

Spectral and Power Stability Tests of Deep UV LEDs for AC Charge Management

Deep ultraviolet (UV) LEDs have recently been used in AC charge management experiments to support gravitational reference sensors for future space missions. The UV LED based charge management system offers compact size, light weight, and low power consumption compared to plasma sources. The AC charge management technique, which is enabled by easy modulation of UV LED output, achieves higher dynamic range for charge control. Further, the high modulation frequency, which is out of the gravitational wave detection band, reduces disturbances to the proof mass. However, there is a need to test and possibly improve the lifetime of UV LEDs, which were developed only a year ago. We have initiated a series of spectral and power stability tests for UV LEDs and designed experiments according to the requirements of AC charge management. We operate UV LEDs with a modulated current drive and maintain the operating temperature at 22 °C,28 similar to the LISA spacecraft working condition. The testing procedures involve measuring the baseline spectral shape and output power level prior to the beginning of the tests and then re‐measuring the same quantities periodically. As of the date of submission (August 28th, 2006), we have operated a UV LED for more than 2,700 hours.Deep ultraviolet (UV) LEDs have recently been used in AC charge management experiments to support gravitational reference sensors for future space missions. The UV LED based charge management system offers compact size, light weight, and low power consumption compared to plasma sources. The AC charge management technique, which is enabled by easy modulation of UV LED output, achieves higher dynamic range for charge control. Further, the high modulation frequency, which is out of the gravitational wave detection band, reduces disturbances to the proof mass. However, there is a need to test and possibly improve the lifetime of UV LEDs, which were developed only a year ago. We have initiated a series of spectral and power stability tests for UV LEDs and designed experiments according to the requirements of AC charge management. We operate UV LEDs with a modulated current drive and maintain the operating temperature at 22 °C,28 similar to the LISA spacecraft working condition. The testing procedures involve m...

Gyroscopes and charge control for the Relativity Mission Gravity Probe B

The most demanding goal of the Gravity Probe B Relativity Mission (GP-B) is the measurement of the parametrized post-Newtonian parameter γ to one part in 105. This goal requires a total experimental accuracy of ≤ 0.044 marcsec/yr. Analysis of and results from 100,000 hours of gyroscope operation on the ground show that the residual Newtonian drift will be < 0.17 marcsec/yr for a supported gyroscope in 10−9 m/s2, and < 0.020 marcsec/yr for an unsupported gyroscope in a fully inertial orbit. The expected error due to gyroscope drift is thus consistent with the measurement goal. The main gyroscope disturbance caused by cosmic radiation is charging of the rotor. A force modulation technique allows measurement of the charge of the gyroscope rotor to about 5 pC, while bipolar charge control to 10 pC is achieved using electrons generated by UV photoemission.

Superconducting thin-film gyroscope readout for Gravity Probe-B

We describe the high-resolution gyroscope (gyro) readout system for the Stanford Gravity Probe-B experiment, whose purpose is to measure two general relativistic precessions of gyroscopes in Earth orbit. In order to achieve the required resolution in angle (0.001 arc · s), the readout system combines high-precision mechanical fabrication and measurement techniques with superconducting thin-film technology, ultra-low magnetic fields, and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) detectors. We discuss system design, performance limits achievable with current technology, and the results of fabrication and laboratory testing to date.