Non-Perturbing Multi-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor

78897S Plasma fusion research experiments require magnetic field measurements over a wide range of bandwidth and sensitivity. However, existing pickup coil sensors are limited in bandwidth, require time integration, and perturb the experiment when used as inserted diagnostics. Novel sensors that can be used for edge or insertion measurements of magnetic fields ranging from 0.01 to 100 G over a bandwidth of 10 kHz to 100 MHz are needed. This project will develop a non-perturbing, high bandwidth, high sensitivity optical sensor as a next generation magnetic field diagnostic for plasma fusion experiments. The sensor will have a magnetic permeability of unity and the galvanically isolated output signal will not require time integration. The sensor package will be engineered to handle high bake out and operating temperatures in excess of 250¿C. Phase I will optimize the design of an optical magnetic field sensor for plasma fusion applications. The sensor material and optical design will be evaluated to determine optimal sensitivity and bandwidth. A complete system design will be developed including the light source, receiver, optical sensor, and packaging. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new optical sensor will allow various sensitivity and bandwidth configurations to support magnetic field measurements in plasma research, ranging from low temperature university experiments to larger scale spheromak and tokamak machines. The sensor also should find use across the pulsed power and accelerator communities, with additional applications in high power antenna mapping and radiographic machines.