Seismic Detection, Miniaturized Seismometers

The DOE is seeking revolutionary innovations with respect to miniature seismic sensors for the monitoring of nuclear detonations. The performance of these sensors must match the specifications of the best products available today, but with orders of magnitude reduction in size, weight, power, and cost. This project will develop these sensors via a new fabrication technology that combines silicon microfabrication, advanced meso-scale fabrication and assembly, and the use of advanced photonics-based displacement/motion detection methods. In Phase I, a ¿macro¿ prototype was used to demonstrate (1) mass elements capable of achieving noise below 1ng , and (2) the high-fidelity, ultra-miniature motion detection principle. Phase II will address low frequency noise challenges, low power consumption, ultra-miniature size, and low cross axis sensitivity. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Successful implementation should result in a commercial product, roughly the size of a 9 volt battery, that has the ability to immediately address national security needs for nonproliferation monitoring. Additional commercial market sectors should include scientific instrumentation, oil and gas exploration, inertial navigation, and civil infrastructure monitoring.