Ultra-low damping of the translational motion of a composite graphite rod in a magneto-gravitational trap

Abstract

We demonstrate an ultra-low dissipation, one-dimensional mechanical oscillator formed by levitating a millimeter-scale composite graphite rod in a room-temperature magneto-gravitational trap. The trap's magnetic field geometry, based on a linear quadrupole, eliminates first-order field gradients in the axial direction, yielding a low oscillation frequency with ultra-low eddy-current losses. Direct ring-down measurements under vacuum compare the damping of the vertical and axial motion; while the vertical motion damps in seconds, the axial motion damps with a time constant of over 5 days. Analysis reveals that this dramatic difference in damping is a result of the symmetry of the magnetic field and the anisotropy of the trap strength. The results are remarkably robust, demonstrating a potential platform for inertial and gravitational sensing.

Revised per reviewer comments: main article (5 pages, 4 figs) and supplemental (7 pages, 9 figs). Main article now features PenTel 4B graphite rod data, with previous data moved to the supplemental. The supplemental now includes floor vibrations from seismometer data and trap setup schematics

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