Development of an underwater MEMS sensors for imaging density anomalies

This research is aligned with the EPSRC funded quantum technology hub in Quantum Enhanced Imaging (QuantIC). The aim is to develop an underwater MEMS gravimeter which is capable of monitoring density anomalies associated with underwater vehicles. The research harnesses expertise within the Institute for Gravitational Research to perform matched filtering of mass models, to provide methods to extract low signal-noise ratio signals from the background noise. The PhD is using a novel hybrid approach to predict gravitational signals from the background seabed, provided by height data from bathymetry data.

Potential applications are in the areas of defence & security and environmental monitoring. All of these applications require the monitoring of the local gravitational field to infer density anomalies under the ground. The project has strong industry engagement and is 50% funded by QinetiQ, a company involved in defence & security.