Next Generation Robust Low Noise Seismometer for Nuclear Monitoring

This project will develop the next generation, very low noise, broadband, wide dynamic range, extremely robust, force-balanced digital seismometer for seismic monitoring. The new seismometers will be very competitive in various niches of the worldwide seismic market due to their unique combination of high performance, especially the low noise over broad passband, and exceptional ruggedness. The new generation seismometer will use improved electrochemical transducers built into three similar orthogonally mounted sensors, the latter based on conceptually new design ideas that, when implemented, will result in a drastic increase in signal to noise ratio. The project will present the principles of operation and detailed noise analysis of electrochemical motion sensors along with the explanation of how such major noise reduction can and will be achieved. At each developmental milestone, prototype instruments will be vault-tested side-by-side with Strekeisen STS2 seismometers. The complete digital seismometer is expected to consume less than 750mW.