DocumentCode
1296368
Title
Superconducting thin-film gyroscope readout for Gravity Probe-B
Author
Lockhart, James M. ; Cheung, W.Stephen ; Gill, Dale K.
Author_Institution
Hansen Laboratories, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305; Physics and Astronomy Department, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94305
Issue
2
fYear
1987
fDate
6/1/1987 12:00:00 AM
Firstpage
170
Lastpage
174
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Coatings; Gyroscopes; Magnetic flux; Noise; Rotors; SQUIDs; Satellites;
fLanguage
English
Journal_Title
Instrumentation and Measurement, IEEE Transactions on
Publisher
ieee
ISSN
0018-9456
Type
jour
DOI
10.1109/TIM.1987.6312662
Filename
6312662
Link To Document