Development of a miniature radiation pressure-measuring microscale

Author(s)

Ivan Ryger, Alexandra B. Artusio-Glimpse, Paul A. Williams, Nathan A. Tomlin, Michelle S. Stephens, Matthew T. Spidell, John H. Lehman

Abstract

Traditional methods for accurate measurement of high-power lasers involve total absorption of the laser light [1]. Our method, however, measures photon pressure exerted on a mirror without obstruction of the laser beam. The technique enables in situ measurements of total optical power with traceability to Planck’s constant by way of mass measurement (thus simplifying calibration). Furthermore, this setup enables fast on-line measurements of optical power with response times on the order of one hundred miliseconds. Using bulk silicon micromachining technology these sensors are compact, fast, and more sensitive improvements to a recently developed instrument based on commercially available microscales [2]. In this contribution, we present the fabrication and protype testing of a micromechanical radiation pressure force scale. The sensor itself consists of a distributed Bragg reflector on a silicon disk attached to a base annulus through an Archimedean spiral functioning as a single plane mirror, spring, and eletrode. Its radiation pressure-induced deflection, by reflection off the mirror, is detected by capacitive bridge electronics. Electrostatic force feedback [3] can be used to keep the sensor disk in equilibrium, circumvening the need to accurately know the spring constant. Additionally, a matched dual spring setup facilitates passive suppression of inertial forces (acceleration, vibrations, or gravity).

Conference Dates

July 3-7, 2017

Conference Location

Tours

Conference Title

8th International Conference on New Developments in Photodetection

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

Radiation pressure, force microscale, silicon micromachining, distributed Bragg reflector, Capacitive sensing

Citation

Ryger, I. , Artusio-Glimpse, A. , Williams, P. , Tomlin, N. , Stephens, M. , Spidell, M. and Lehman, J. (1970), Development of a miniature radiation pressure-measuring microscale, 8th International Conference on New Developments in Photodetection, Tours, -1 (Accessed April 30, 2024)