Recent developments in the measurement of space time curvature

Development of a highly sensitive resonant capacitor displacement sensor and a multistage suspension system for a low-temperature gravitational radiation antenna is discussed; the antenna is suitable for studying gravitational collapses. The sensitivity limit of the device is assessed as a function of preamplifier noise. Experiments indicate that an electric field of about 160,000 v/cm may be applied to the resonator surface without a significant increase in Brownian noise. Use of the resonant capacitor sensor with very high Q antennae is also considered.