Photonic Associates Torsion Pendula
During the development of the
microthruster, we developed, calibrated and used three different torsion
pendula. In the research phase, when we were interested in testing the pulsed
laser impulse response of small samples of prospective target materials, some
of the most sensitive torsion pendula ever created were used.
In the development phase,
when it was necessary to suspend the entire microthruster from the device to
measure its thrust, a much sturdier device was developed.
The table below shows the
response and sensitivity of each version:
Version |
Response |
Sensitivity |
Range
|
Readout |
High sensitivity device
|
7 micro-N-s/radian |
100 pico-N-s |
2 micro-N-s |
Laser beam
|
Medium sensitivity device
|
36 micro-N-s/radian |
5 nano-N-s |
2 micro-N-s |
Laser beam/mirror
|
High capacity (1)
|
40 milli-N/radian |
2 micro-N |
40 milli-N |
Laser beam/mirror
|
High capacity (2)
|
1.3 milli-N/radian |
25 nano-N |
100 micro-N |
Laser beam/ interferometric
display
|
Click the links for further
details on the high
sensitivity device and and the high capacity
device.