Magnetoelectric Sensors for Detection and Mapping Applications with UUVs

In support of the Navy's expanding role for UUVs, NanoSonic will demonstrate a unique, magnetoelectric sensor and its integration with an ONR sponsored UUV. The local magnetic field within the undersea environment holds particular interest to the Navy in multiple applications including unexploded ordinance detection, navigation, and detection and tracking of undersea vehicle threats. In recognition of this need, NanoSonic will assist the development of an ONR UUV project by integrating a sensor package designed for magnetic field detection. NanoSonic proposes a small, room temperature, lightweight, low power and inexpensive magnetic field detection system; a three-axis version will provide direction finding ability and allow effective signal processing and background interference rejection. The current device has a higher sensitivity than common magnetometers and is expected to exceed that of SQUIDs. NanoSonic will work with university researchers who have specific experience with small, inexpensive UUVs and their cooperative networks. In addition to working with our university partner, NanoSonic will work with its transition partner, a major defense contractor for underwater systems. The NanoSonic PI has direct experience in the defense industry on sensor, propagation and cooperative identification problems through unclassified and classified efforts.