Gravity gradiometers are used for large scale surveying of geophysical features. The Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer (SGG) developed over the past two decades at the University of Maryland has shown to be a technological success. This gradiometer was designed for a space environment. Recently, University of Maryland researchers have developed a new, more robust SGG that is more suitable to the harsh motion environment of a land or sea vehicle.
Present technology requires multiple circuits to adjust resonance frequencies and does not allow for adjustment of linearity. This new gradiometer makes use of angular accelerometers. The new design has major advantages in improved linearity and signal bandwidth in response to acceleration, making it more suitable for use in high acceleration environments. This new SGG incorporates technology to improve rejection of angular acceleration while not affecting the sensitivity to gravity gradient.
The high accuracy and high spatial resolution expected of this new SGG makes it a prime candidate for a device that searches for hidden masses.
When integrated with other technologies, this new SGG can be used for precision gravity surveying from an aircraft and gravity gradiometer aided navigation. Additional applications include the search for natural resources and hidden artificial objects. This technology is licensed to a Canadian company.
