Low-Cost Compact Magnetometers for Air and In-Water Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW)

Magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) is an important component of anti-submarine warfare. This Phase I SBIR project will investigate a low-cost, high sensitivity sensor for both sea and airborne antisubmarine warfare. We recently demonstrated high sensitivity using magnetometers based on nonlinear magneto-optical rotation of the polarization of a laser as it propagates through an atomic vapor. By adopting less-expensive components it is possible to substantially reduce the cost of the sensor, but this requires changing the operating principles. The performance of critical sub-assemblies will be tested to determine if the magnetic sensitivity is maintained. An estimate of the size, weight, power, performance and cost of a fully engineered device will be made based on the results of the Phase I investigation. In the Phase I Option, a method will be devised and tested for constructing the magnetometer to avoid any dead zone.