Design and performance of a nano-Newton torsion balance

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Here, we present a novel torsion balance with a torsional spring that can reach a resolution in the nano-Newton range while allowing for a total experimental weight of 2 kg. The balance uses an off-the-shelf electromagnetic actuator, which was calibrated. The oscillation of the balance is damped using an adaptable eddy-current brake to fine-tune the damping factor. Experiments and electronics are controlled and powered through four coaxial liquid contacts. The balance is shown to be highly linear between 0.01 and 300 μN. After an automated post-processing, the noise of a measurement was 1.0 nN, and an applied force of 10 nN had a calculated error of 11.9%.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number074502
Pages (from-to)074502
Number of pages1
JournalReview of scientific instruments
Volume93
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85133958427
WOS 000850457600003
Mendeley 89e5c4b6-d96b-341a-8ad0-bd28b0d68b05

Keywords