A Superconducting Gravimeter

Abstract

A gravimeter is constructed which uses the near perfect stability of superconducting persistent currents to make it a device with exceptional stability. A superconducting sphere is levitated in the magnetic field generated by two superconducting coils. Changes in gravitational or inertial forces in the vertical direction are measured as changes in the vertical position of the sphere or as changes in a feedback force, independent of the primary supporting force, which holds the sphere in a fixed position. In its present state of development the instrument produces data which, when compared to calculated earth tides, set an upper limit on the drift rate of ±6 parts in 10⁹ of g/day. Several possible sources of drift are discussed.