Compact Diode Laser-based Magnetometer

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will combine ultra-sensitive absorption spectroscopy detection techniques and alkali atom optical gas pumping to produce an innovative Compact Magnetic Detection Set (CMDS). The CMDS will utilize a self oscillating magnetometer to produce a robust, compact, light weight and low power sensor for Navy applications of air anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and land-based IED detection. Current CMDS systems are too large, heavy and consume too much power for many aircraft platforms, including the MH-60R Romeo helicopter and the FireScout VTUAV. Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will create a system design for an optically based alkali atom CMDS that will achieve performance specifications equivalent to the AN/ASQ-233 and AN/ASQ-508 systems using innovative, ultra-sensitive detection techniques packaged into a compact, light, low power architecture. During the Phase II effort the CMDS will be fabricated and tested to verify operation and performance limits. The proposed effort leverages PSI’s experience demonstrating sensitive magnetometers with PSI’s successful line of commercial, tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy hardware systems. PSI has an extensive and proven history of developing and delivering optically based sensor solutions for demanding commercial and Navy Mil-Spec applications.