Sensitive Tiltmeter Utilizing a Diamagnetic Suspension

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Abstract
A tiltmeter of the horizontal pendulum type is described whose mass consists of a diamagnetic material suspended in a potential well of a suitably shaped magnetic field. The depth of the potential minimum determines the restoring force acting upon the mass and consequently the pendulous frequency and sensitivity of the instrument. In this manner the elastic forces usually supplied by fine springs or fibers are replaced by field forces and the mass is free to respond to tilts or accelerations without any trace of friction of external (Coulomb) or internal (anelastic) origin. The required amount of damping is obtained from eddy currents induced in the seismic mass by its motion in the field. The instrument requires no power to operate the suspension and it can be used over a wide range of temperatures. Under usual environmental conditions, it requires no temperature control. Some of the preliminary results obtained with the tiltmeter in measurement of earth tides are discussed.

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