Laurent Sache

Design of a simple MRI/fMRI compatible force/torque sensor

Force/torque sensors compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are required to develop haptic interfaces for neuroscientific investigations and robotic tools for interventional MRI. In this paper, we analyze the mechanical structure of classical and MRI compatible sensors from literature and demonstrate the critical role of the mechanical design on the sensing performance. A simple and efficient torque sensor based on light intensity measurement over optical fibers is introduced, which allows to place the electronic components outside the scanner room. By using a self-guiding flexible structure and optimal mirror placement, the sensitivity to transverse torque is reduced to 0.03% of the desired output torque.

Evaluation of MR-compatibility of Electrostatic Linear Motor

This paper reports a new MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) compatible actuator that can operate near an MRI without degrading its imaging quality. A high-power electrostatic motor is introduced and its MR-compatibility is examined, both experimentally and theoretically. The proposed motor was fabricated with only paramagnetic materials, and its MR-compatibility was evaluated by measuring the output performance of the motor and the signal-to-noise ratios of the MRI images. The experimental results showed that motor’s thrust force while positioned within the MRI is almost the same as that in normal operation. The signal-to-noise investigation indicated that the motor did not affect the MRI images when it was operated over 60 cm away from the MRI’s RF coil. The theoretical calculations showed that the magnetic field generated by the motor is relatively small and the effect of the MRI’s magnetic fields on the motor is negligible, suggesting that the motor is MR-compatible.

Characterization of Electrostatic Glass Actuators

Electrostatic glass actuators are a promising concept for various applications. The use of the interaction between glassy substances and electrostatic fields allows synchronous propulsion akin to the electret actuator. Even though some properties of electrostatic glass motors have been observed and described, a characterization is still missing. The authors would like to present the experimental work leading to the determination of the optimal glass blend and to the optimal electrode pattern in order to maximize the exploitable forces. An analytical model is also presented, satisfactorily close to the measured data. These measurements and models constitute a tool to design electrostatic glass actuators such as, for example, a miniature disk drive, which is presented as one of several promising applications.

The ESPRI project: astrometric exoplanet search with PRIMA I. Instrument description and performance of first light observations

Context. The ESPRI project relies on the astrometric capabilities offered by the PRIMA facility of the Very Large Telescope Interferometer for discovering and studying planetary systems. Our survey consists of obtaining high-precision astrometry for a large sample of stars over several years to detect their barycentric motions due to orbiting planets. We present the operations principle, the instruments implementation, and the results of a first series of test observations. Aims. We give a comprehensive overview of the instrument infrastructure and present the observation strategy for dual-field relative astrometry in the infrared K-band. We describe the differential delay lines, a key component of the PRIMA facility that was delivered by the ESPRI consortium, and discuss their performance within the facility. This paper serves as reference for future ESPRI publications and for the users of the PRIMA facility. Methods. Observations of bright visual binaries were used to test the observation procedures and to establish the instruments astrometric precision and accuracy. The data reduction strategy for the astrometry and the necessary corrections to the raw data are presented. Adaptive optics observations with NACO were used as an independent verification of PRIMA astrometric observations. Results. The PRIMA facility was used to carry out tests of astrometric observations. The astrometric performance in terms of precision is limited by the atmospheric turbulence at a level close to the theoretical expectations and a precision of 30 mu as was achieved. In contrast, the astrometric accuracy is insufficient for the goals of the ESPRI project and is currently limited by systematic errors that originate in the part of the interferometer beamtrain that is not monitored by the internal metrology system. Conclusions. Our observations led to defining corrective actions required to make the facility ready for carrying out the ESPRI search for extrasolar planets.

The PRIMA Astrometric Planet Search project

The PRIMA facility will implement dual-star astrometry at the VLTI. We have formed a consortium that will build the PRIMA differential delay lines, develop an astrometric operation and calibration plan, and deliver astrometric data reduction software. This will enable astrometric planet surveys with a target precision of 10μas. Our scientific goals include determining orbital inclinations and masses for planets already known from radial-velocity surveys, searches for planets around stars that are not amenable to high-precision radial-velocity observations, and a search for large rocky planets around nearby low-mass stars.

Advances in precise positioning using the electrostatic glass motor

This paper reports the continuation of the authors work in the field of linear and rotary sub-micrometric positioning using electrostatic glass motors. Electrostatic glass motors, a development where a glass rotor, once polarized using a static electrostatic field, is synchronously following a moving electrostatic field, have been described previously. The potential application to precise positioning was proven feasible and promising. The present report describes a fully operational rotary prototype, featuring remarkable performances. It is shown that sub arc-second positioning is possible in open loop operation, over an infinite operation range and over a very broad speed range. After a brief recapitulation of the propulsion principle, the realized system is presented and characterized, its performance experimentally determined and discussed.

Fiber optic accelerometers: analysis of utilization of diffraction gratings

This paper presents a signal analysis method with the purpose of detecting frequency chande and acceleration amplitude of vibrating-type accelerometers output. The method has potential application for newly developed oscillating micro accelerometers.