SBIR-STTR Award

In the International Linear Collider (ILC), a high degree of interaction between the positron and electron beams is required. To accomplish this, extremely small vibration signals on ILC quadrupole magnets must be detected for control and stabilization. This low frequency vibration, derived from auxiliary equipment and local ground vibration, causes relation motion of the quadrupoles. This project will develop a cryogenic temperature inertial vibration sensor, based on capacitive sensor technology. The sensor system will consist of capacitive sensor probes, a mass-spring structure and a low noise filter. Phase I will develop a prototype sensor system and measure its performance at both room temperature and cryogenic temperature 4K. Materials, suitable for cryogenic temperature operation and operation in a strong magnetic field, will be identified for the sensor probe, mass, spring and housing.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
The technology should enable better active vibration control systems, vehicular controls, safety systems, motion studies, etc. In these applications, vibration control at low frequencies is a challenge due to the lack of high sensitivity motion sensors