FOUNDING SCIENTIST PROGRAM
Research foundations for the search
Primary-source methods inform the capabilities we seek. The role definitions and recruitment priorities are Metric Flight’s proposed plan.
Optical momentum and force metrology
NIST’s Photoforce work demonstrates several ways to infer optical power from radiation pressure. It motivates our need for radiometry, independent force calibration and careful operating-range comparisons. Published NIST performance is not Metric Flight performance.
Uncertainty and measurement models
The JCGM guides provide a basis for developing measurement models and expressing uncertainty. We seek scientists who can apply those methods to the actual apparatus, including correlated inputs, nonlinear response and justified decision rules.
Environmental isolation
LIGO’s description of active and passive seismic isolation illustrates why environmental coupling belongs in an instrument’s design. Its scale and performance are not assumed transferable to our proposed balance.
Surface-force artifacts
Published patch-potential studies examine additional electrostatic forces in Casimir experiments. This is a reason to recruit surface characterization and electrostatic expertise before interpreting a small residual.
Requirements and verification
NASA’s systems engineering guidance separates meeting stated requirements from meeting intended use. That distinction informs the proposed systems role and the gate between an instrument that functions and an experiment that answers its question.
Reviewed 22 October 2026. References establish methodological context, not affiliations or endorsements.