Photonic Versatile Magnetometer Array System

To address the Air Forces need for a low-integration-cost magnetometer system for space applications, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Photonic Versatile Magnetometer Array (PhotoVMA) system. This system is based on the novel photonic magnetic sensor and versatile array design. This will enable the PhotoVMA system to be integrated onto small or micro satellites without stringent requirements on magnetic cleanliness of the satellite; it does not require expensive magnetic booms, and provides a significant reduction in sensor cost (<$10 per magnetometer). The magnetometer has 10 pT/rt-Hz sensitivity in a 10 mm-square footprint, 100 mW power requirements, and will reduce integration costs by orders of magnitude. In Phase I, POC will develop the PhotoVMA concept and establish technical feasibility of the PhotoVMA technology through assembly and testing of a breadboard photonic magnetometer prototype, and quantitative estimates of integration costs. In Phase II, POC will refine the design and develop a fully functional prototype. The Phase II work will conclude with demonstration and testing of the prototype to validate the design concept, including determining the ability to extract the signal of interest in the presence of typical magnetic interferents, calibration, reliability, and physical characteristics of production design. 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 land mine or other unexploded ordnance detection for the U.S. Army and Homeland Security. The PhotoVMA magnetometer can serve as part of a low-frequency magnetic communications link for through-the-earth (TTE) communications. The PhotoVMA system can be used by both 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. The PhotoVMA magnetometer can form a component of low-frequency magnetic communications system for emergency mine communications.