wEe-g: ComMERcialisation of a hiGh-sENsitivity and low-Cost gravimEter (EMERGENCE)

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Wee-g is a precision MicroElectroMechanicalSensor (MEMS) accelerometer that has been developed at University of Glasgow. It is a spin-off from the STFC-funded gravitational-wave research activities led by Prof . Hammond. Wee-g is the world's first MEMS gravimeter, capable of monitoring Earth tides; elastic deformations of the Earth's crust caused by the tidal potential of the Moon/Sun. Wee-g also detects gravitational anomalies down to 2% of the Earth tides, due to e.g. buried tunnels, magma intrusion in volcanoes or variations in the local water table depth.Wee-g can also operate as a seismometer with signal readout up to 5Hz, allowing measurement of naturally occurring microseismic or anthropogenic (human-generated) seismic noise. There are currently four Wee-g instruments installed on the flanks of Mt Etna monitoring the seismic and gravity activity on the volcano, and we estimate the TRL is 6 (prototype demonstration in a relevant environment).This project will;make the Wee-g 10x more sensitive to seismic signals. This will enable new opportunities within the PPAN communityadvance the TRL of the device to 7 via extended field trials with Metatek/INGV using closed-loop magnetic feedback control, and benchmarking with current gravimeters / seismometers.Specifically, we will deploy Wee-g systems at the LIGO-Hanford gravitational-wave observatory (LHO, US) and the STFC Boulby underground mine (UK) as a broad-band seismometer/gravimeter. At LHO, Wee-g will be used in the installed seismic array to monitor low-frequency seismic noise, enabling us to better model Newtonian Noise, a limit to the operating bandwidth of current/future gravitational-wave detectors. At Boulby, Wee-g will be installed as a standalone seismic sensor, with the longer-term vision to deploy multiple Wee-g instruments to provide detailed seismic and gravitational monitoring of the underground mine. Field trials with Metatek/INGV will deploy Wee-g sensorswith industry standard seismometers/gravimeters for benchmarking.This will allow the Wee-g instrument to progress towards commercialisation via a spinout opportunity, currently under discussion at University of Glasgow; as an ultra-broad band accelerometer.Wee-g is a maturing technology and we are leaders in the field of MEMS instrumentation. The team has a CEO designate in-place for the spinout opportunity and the named researcher (Dr. Prasad) has previously been successful in selection for the iCURE programme (unable to take up the position in 2022 due to a family bereavement). Thus, we have high expectation the project will succeed in its objectives.The project is excellent value for money, with in-kind support at the level of £209k.