Harsh Environment Sensors for a Naval Electromagnetic Launcher

Phase II.5 Proposal, extension of Phase II contract N00014-09-C-0476. The goal of this work is to continue developing and testing the fiber-optic magnetic field sensors designed in the Phase II program. These sensors, which operate by detecting polarization rotation caused by a magneto-optic crystal, are uniquely suited for use in the harsh environment of an electromagnetic launcher (railgun). They are immune to electromagnetic interference, and are constructed of all dielectric materials which allows for reliable operation in a railgun environment. Improved sensor designs will be developed and tested on an operational 6 meter railgun. The main objective is to obtain accurate and repeatable measurements on the railgun with durable sensor probes that can survive through many shots. This will allow for magnetic field measurements to be made in locations of interest to the railgun community which are currently not possible. The data from these sensors will provide valuable feedback to railgun engineers and designers that will help the technology to continue progressing.