SBIR-STTR Award

Modern atomic magnetometer technology is poised to deliver total magnetic field measurements in a sensor that is dramatically less expensive, smaller, and lower-power relative to currently-available sensor systems. Using a combination of technologies that have emerged recently, we propose to develop a scalar atomic magnetometer with sensitivity of 1 pT/Hz^1/2 featuring suppressed heading error and no dead zone that can meet a cost objective of $2,000 in quantities of 500. Existing magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) is performed by sensors in the unique tail section of the P-3 aircraft. With the retirement of the P-3 and the transition to the new P-8 platform, anti-submarine warfare stands to lose onboard MAD which has traditionally provided an important verification of target location. The low cost of the proposed sensor uniquely enables planners to consider new usage scenarios including UAVs where magnetometers may be lost or destroyed after completing a mission.

Benefit:
A lower cost, high performance magnetic field sensor may be used in a wider range of potential applications to perform magnetic mapping surveys and locate buried and submerged objects. Traditional geology and resource exploration users will benefit from the absence of dead zones. New users that previously could not afford an atomic magnetometer include utility companies that must locate buried pipes and wires quickly and efficiently.

Keywords:
MAD, MAD, UXO, IED, ASW, magnetometer

We propose to build prototype magnetometers with sensitivity in the range 1--10 $\mathrm{pT/Hz^{1/2}}$ and unit cost of \$2,000, meeting the need for a low-cost system with performance comparable to existing commercial magnetometer systems. The design uses widely-available and low cost components with a design for easy assembly. With its small size, low cost and low power consumption, this system is ideally suited for use on small, disposable UAVs launched through a standard sonobuoy tube. Disposable UAVs may be deployed from a larger high altitude platform and allowed to fly closer to the ocean, providing the maximum possible magnetic signal from underwater targets.

Benefit:
At a cost point of $2k, the sensors are highly competitive with high performance fluxgate magnetometers; these sensors would match the fluxgate sensor price point and offer superior sensitivity and drift.

Keywords:
magnetometer, P-8, Gradiometer, MAD