Photonic Versatile Magnetometer Array System

In Phase II, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to advance the development of the new Photonic Versatile Magnetometer Array (PhotoVMA) System, proven feasible in Phase I in meeting Air Force needs for a low-integration-cost magnetometer system for space applications. Phase I work successfully demonstrated a system design for use in a variety of relevant environments during launch and in space. Simulation showed magnetic field measurement performance (sensitivity of <20 pT/sqrt-Hz sensitivity, 1 nT accuracy, dynamic range of ±100,000 nT, and 1 degree angular accuracy) necessary for the Air Force’s space-weather monitoring application. A proof-of-concept TRL-4 5x5x0.4 cm^3 prototype already showed magnetic sensitivity of 97 nT/sqrt-Hz, with upcoming Phase I improvements anticipated to achieve sensitivity of 1 nT/sqrt-Hz. Our estimations show that the innovative PhotoVMA system offers satellite-integration costs at least one order of magnitude lower than that incurred with conventional space magnetometers (about $1M for PhotoVMA versus about $15M for current magnetometers). In Phase II POC will optimize design and development of a custom-fabricated photonic magnetometer to improve performance to match the simulation results. Extensive calibration, testing, and evaluation of reliability for space environments will be conducted to achieve TRL-6+ and physical characteristics of production design will be investigated. BENEFIT: In addition to space-based magnetometers, military applications of the PhotoVMA technology will include underwater mine and submarine detection for the U.S. Navy and ground vehicle and landmine or other unexploded ordnance detection for the U.S. Army and Homeland Security. The PhotoVMA can serve as part of a low-frequency magnetic communications link for through-the-earth (TTE) communications. The PhotoVMA system can be used by the U.S. Air Force and NASA for nondestructive testing (NDT) of aircraft. Commercial applications of the PhotoVMA system include geological surveying and mineral detection. It can be adapted for NDT of gas pipelines in addition to NDT of commercial aircraft. Nuclear power plants contain similar metallic structures that require periodic testing. PhotoVMA can form a component of a low-frequency magnetic communications system for emergency mine communications.