Advanced Magnetic Sensing

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.