2024/11/23 by Alexey V. Veryaskin, Veryaskin, Alexey V., Howard Golden +9
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Engineering · Environmental Science · #FOS: Physical sciences #Geophysics and Gravity Measurements #Instrumentation and Detectors (physics.ins-det) #Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena #Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2411.15461
openalex publication_date 2024/11/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Project TAIPAN has been carried out jointly by Trinity Research Lab and the Frequency and Quantum Metrology Research Group located at the School of Physics, Mathematics and Computing of the University of Western Australia (UWA). Lockheed Martin Corporation (USA) has also been a partner in this joint collaboration providing financial backing to the project and other support including advanced modelling, assessment of laboratory tests and data analysis. The project aim was to develop a miniaturised gravity gradiometer to measure horizontal mixed gradient components of the Earth gravity in a small, lightweight package that can be deployed in a fixed 4D mode, in a borehole, or on moving exploration platforms including ground-based, airborne and submersible. The gradiometer design has evolved through a few prototypes combining the design of its sensing element with ultra low noise microwave and capacitive read out. The most recent prototype of the gradiometer using novel ultra sensitive capacitive pick off metrology has been trialled in the harsh environment of Outback Western Australia over a known gravity anomaly displaying steep gradients. Despite adverse weather conditions, results of the trial indicate that the gradiometer operated as expected, closely replicating the gravity gradient profile extrapolated from a regional gravity survey.