SBIR-STTR Award

Recently, our research team has developed a new generation of single element ME laminate composite magnetic field sensors. The ME effect is a polarization response to an applied magnetic field or conversely a magnetization response to an applied electric field. In Phase I of this program, Passive Sensors Unlimited and Virginia Tech will (i) prototype four ME sensor units, including detection circuitry; (ii) establish the performance characteristics of these four sensor units, with respect to signal-to-noise and bandwidth; and (iii) perform a limited field-test in order to demonstrate the ability to detect a target.

Keywords:
Magnetic Field Sensor, Low Frequency, Magnetic Anomaly Detection, Magnetoelectric

The primary objective of this Program would be to develop magneto-electric sensors with increased sensitivity to minute variations of low frequency magnetic fields, using a technology that is deployable for long time-periods using small batteries. This will be accomplished through the following steps. (1) Use new materials couple in the laminate composite, in order to enhance the ME effect. (2) Use new composite designs, in which the piezoelectric constant matrix of the layer has been optimized for its constituent tensor coefficients. (3) Enhance Noise rejection by control of complex phase distribution. (4) Enhance directionality for tracking and ranging applications. (5) Fabricate and test detection units: including detection circuitry, powering, and appropriate environmental packaging. And, (6) establish capabilities of said ME sensor units for application in deployable advanced detection systems for both in-water and out-of-water environments.

Benefit:
The anticipated benefits / potential commerical applications are: (1) deployable advanced detection systems, and (2) magnetic anomaly screeners / detectors.

Keywords:
Piezoelectrics, magnetoelectric laminates, magnetic sensors, magnetostriction, magnetic anomaly detectors.