Optomechanical lasers for inertial sensing

Abstract

We have developed an inertially sensitive optomechanical laser by combining a vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL) with a monolithic fused silica resonator. By placing the external cavity mirror of the VECSEL onto the optomechanical resonator test mass, we create a sensor where external accelerations are directly transcribed onto the lasing frequency. We developed a proof-of-principle laboratory prototype and observe test mass oscillations at the resonance frequency of the sensor through the VECSEL lasing frequency, 4.18 ± 0.03 H z . In addition, we set up an ancillary heterodyne interferometer to track the motion of the mechanical oscillator’s test mass, observing a resonance of 4.194 ± 0.004 H z . The interferometer measurements validate the VECSEL results, confirming the feasibility of using optomechanical lasers for inertial sensing.

Estimation and Error Analysis for Optomechanical Inertial Sensors

“…The oscillator parameters that define the sensor response are provided in Table 1. These parameters correspond to experimental results obtained from benchtesting of a prototype sensor [16,17]. The parameters that define the stochastic processes driving the system {σ v , σ u } are provided in Table 2.…”

“…The bias term is modeled as a Wiener process: where are uncorrelated, zero-mean Gaussian random processes with autocorrelation functions: where is the Dirac delta function. The contributing process noise sources, including: thermomechanical losses and cavity drift have been investigated in references [ 16 , 17 ], respectively. Highly precise manufacturing processes coupled with pressure and temperature control allow for these noise sources to be modeled as Gaussian.…”

“…The quality factor, a unitless parameter indicating the sharpness of the resonance peak of the oscillator [ 14 ], is of particular interest in quantifying the performance of these sensors. Previous studies indicate that such systems are capable of attaining an exceptionally high quality factor over a range of high and low frequencies, providing a broad dynamic range for acceleration sensing [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The use of highly accurate 3D manufacturing solutions has resulted in sensors with precise operating parameters that are uniquely suited to traditional estimation techniques without reliance on complex error models.…”

“…In this paper, a sensor model and estimators for use with state of the art optomechanical inertial sensors [ 16 , 17 ] are presented. Firstly, a method for sensor calibration using a generalized input acceleration is presented using a discrete time Kalman filter to estimate the instantaneous sensor bias.…”

Technical and Economic Description of the Research on a Measuring Device for Continuous Measurement of the Diameter and Vibration of the Workpiece during the Machining Process

“…Beside the continuous measurement of the workpiece diameter, we will focus on the processing of the measured quantity, its evaluation, and the application of its results. When the respective tests were carried out, the optical sensor proved successful for the following reasons [19][20][21]: sufficient sensitivity (suitable for measuring the change of the workpiece size), relatively simple and affordable installation and dismantle of the sensor into the holder and the machine tool, the simple construction of the sensing unit as such , which corresponds to its price, cost and time, efficient service, high durability and constancy of the parameters under recommended operation, negligible effect of the surroundings on the functionality, and precision of the measurement [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”