Advances in the Formulation of Minimal Thermodynamically Consistent Models for Dispersion Force-Driven High-Accuracy Inertial Nano-Sensors

Abstract

We present advances in the accurate multiphysics modeling of nano-accelerometers motivated by the specific navigational requirements of small spacecraft under low thrust in interplanetary missions. The process of energy transfer to the nanodevice via parametric coupling is analyzed from the thermodynamical standpoint. The system is based on simultaneous electrostatic excitation and on van der Waals forces modulated by laser radiation acting as a parametric pump. It is shown that the processes involved rigorously satisfy the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. This proof paves the way for the design of thermodynamically consistent models of this novel class of nano-accelerometers.