  Silicon double paddle oscillators are well suited for the detection of weak
forces because of their high Q factor (about 10^5 at room temperature). We
describe an experiment aimed at the detection of gravitational forces between
masses at sub-mm distance using such an oscillator. Gravitational excitation is
produced by a rotating aluminium disk with platinum segments. The force
sensitivity of this apparatus is about 10 fN at room temperature for 1000 s
averaging time at room temperature. The current limitations to detection of the
gravitational force are mentioned.
