Design and performance of a nano-Newton torsion balance

Abstract

Here, we present a novel torsion balance with a torsional spring that can reach a resolution in the nano-Newton range while allowing for a total experimental weight of 2 kg. The balance uses an off-the-shelf electromagnetic actuator, which was calibrated. The oscillation of the balance is damped using an adaptable eddy-current brake to fine-tune the damping factor. Experiments and electronics are controlled and powered through four coaxial liquid contacts. The balance is shown to be highly linear between 0.01 and 300 μN. After an automated post-processing, the noise of a measurement was 1.0 nN, and an applied force of 10 nN had a calculated error of 11.9%.