Abstract
The micro capacitive sensing and electrostatic drive control system (front-end electronics, FEE) is the core component of inertial sensor in space gravitational wave detection. The FEE requires high-precision displacement detection, high-stability electrostatic drive, and stable system control to achieve an acceleration resolution of 10 -15 m/s 2 /Hz 1/2 in the low-frequency range of 0.1 mHz-1 Hz. Based on the requirements of the future Chinese space gravitational wave detection task (Taiji Program), this paper conducted key technical research of the FEE using differential capacitance detections and electrostatic drives. The structure and working principle of the FEE were also introduced. The structural parameters of the entire system, working parameters, and electrostatic control system model were provided, and the performance of the PID controller was analyzed. Finally, using the torsion pendulum to overcome the influence of gravity on the earth, the FEE multi-degree of freedom control function was verified on the vibration isolation marble platform, the measurement range and power conversion coefficient were calibrated, and the noise level under current conditions was measured. Experimental results show that the FEE developed in this paper can achieve stable control in multiple degrees of freedom, the acceleration range is larger than 10 -3 m/s 2 , the electric force conversion factor is 4.8 × 10 -3 m/s 2 /V, and the measured acceleration resolution is 9.6 × 10 -6 m/s 2 /Hz 1/2 . After optimizing the sensitive structure parameters, the acceleration resolution can be estimated at 3.3 × 10 -15 m/s 2 /Hz 1/2 . These results satisfy the Taiji Program requirements. This paper provides a solid foundation for the future exploration of space gravitational waves in China and clears the optimization direction for the next step.
Highlights
In February 2016, the American Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) directly detected gravitational wave, which confirmed the prediction of Einstein regarding the existence of gravitational waves a century ago and created gravitational wave astronomy [1]
Space gravitational wave detection is the only option for studying gravitational waves and the nature of wave sources in a wide frequency range
The feedback voltage signal Vf is applied to the electrodes through the electrostatic drive circuit, Vf is calculated by the PID controller module, and the test masses (TM) is pulled back to the center of the electrodes by the electrostatic force
Summary
In February 2016, the American Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) directly detected gravitational wave, which confirmed the prediction of Einstein regarding the existence of gravitational waves a century ago and created gravitational wave astronomy [1]. The inertial sensor is one of the most important parts of space gravitational wave detection device. The performance of the inertial sensor directly affects the accuracy and even the success or failure of space gravitational wave detection system. The resolution of the inertial sensor must reach 10−15 m/s2/Hz1/2 to realize the detection of space gravitational waves. The Lanzhou Institute of Physics has conducted considerable work in this field [12], [13] and achieved important results in key technology research, ground performance testing, development process, and prototype engineering. Based on the requirements of the future Chinese space gravitational wave detection mission (Taiji Program), this paper performs the key technical research of inertial sensor front-end electronics (FEE) and designs a three-degree-offreedom capacitive sensing and electrostatic drive control system. The final section provides a comprehensive summary of the work in this paper
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