Gravimetry by Nanoscale Parametric Amplifiers Driven by Radiation-Induced Dispersion Force Modulation

Here we present early results from lumped-element numerical simulations of a novel class of nano electromechanical systems (NEMS) presently being considered for ground-based gravimetry and future micro accelerometry applications in GPS-denied environments, including spacecraft. The strategy we discuss is based on measuring the effects of non-inertial or gravitational forces on the dynamics of a standard oscillator driven at its resonance frequency by a time-dependent electrostatic potential. In order to substantially enhance the sensitivity of the instrument, the oscillating mass is made to simultaneously interact with a nearby boundary so as to be affected by quantum electrodynamical Casimir forces. Furthermore, unlike previously published proposals, in the design presented herein the Casimir boundary does not oscillate but it is a fixed semiconducting layer. As already demonstrated experimentally, this arrangement enables Casimir force time-modulation by semiconductor back-illumination. Such a design strategy, first suggested by this author as a promising approach to gravitational wave detection in different nano-sensors, allows for the realization of a Casimir force-pumped mechanical parametric amplifier. Such devices can, in principle, yield gains of several orders of magnitude in the mechanical response amplitude over the response from standard unpumped oscillators. The numerical proof-of-concept first presented herein points to a potentially new class of gravimetry products based on exploiting appropriately engineered dispersion forces as an emerging enabling general purpose technology on the nanoscale.