A gravity
sensor is a device that detects changes in the density of rocks, minerals, or
other substances in the earth's gravity. The latest innovation in gravity
sensing is the quantum gravity sensor. By exploiting the quantum behavior of
atoms, it can detect underground features with more detailed information than
ever before.
 |
| Quantum Gravity Sensors |
What is gravity sensing?
Gravity
exerts roughly the same amount of force everywhere on Earth's surface. However,
small differences in gravitational force occur due to different densities of
rocks and other materials underground and different heights above the surface.
If this gravity
sensitivity is accurate enough, its use in research and industry will be more
effective. Micro-sized gravimeters can be deployed in networks to sense the
motion of magma in volcanic regions. That helps researchers understand magma
flow patterns before eruptions. Researchers use gravity sensors to map changes
in the planet's crust caused by large-scale geological activity, such as the
melting of glaciers or earthquakes.
Gravimeters
are instruments used to measure these small changes in the Earth's gravitational
force. Generally, gravimeters operate according to one of two main operating
systems. It can be measured by measuring the time it takes a free-falling
object to fall a certain distance, or by measuring the extension of the free
end of a spring due to a weight hanging on a spring. This gravity sensor could
be sensitive enough to track so-called Earth tides. However, gravimeters are
generally expensive. Its price is more than one hundred thousand dollars. Also
big and heavy.
Quantum Gravity Sensing
UK
scientists have developed a gravity-sensitive sensor capable of detecting
0.5m2m2 tunnels below the surface and collecting 40 data per hour.
Such a
quantum gravity sensor could be used in numerous industries and research. Civil
engineers can measure underground structures such as tunnels, sinkholes, and
mine shafts to improve construction surveys and infrastructure projects.
Archaeologists can likewise use this technology to find underground sites of
interest without damaging the sites or any objects hidden there. Scientists are
now working on developing a backpack-sized quantum gravity sensor that can be
easily transported.
Writer
Jeion Ahmed
0 Comments