A new small cam-driven absolute gravimeter

Abstract

We have developed a small, portable absolute gravimeter that employs a cam-based dropping mechanism. The resulting high data rate (100 drops in 30 s) serves to compensate for the short (3.0 cm) measurement distance. We think of this instrument as being both a "portable FG5" and an absolute LaCoste & Romberg (or Scintrex). Its realizable measurement accuracy appears to be 3 μGal. This compact (easily portable) and absolute instrument will be useful as a field gravimeter. It will also be useful in standards and calibration applications since it produces a g determination of high accuracy.