Compact Heading Error Free Scalar (CHEFS) Magnetometer

Physical Sciences, Inc. (PSI), in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), proposes a novel quantum magnetometer based on an atomic vapor capable of producing accurate readings of the total magnetic field (scalar magnitude) while operating in any orientation with respect to Earth’s magnetic field. All other atomic magnetometer approaches suffer from dead zones and heading error requiring duplicate sensors and algorithmic corrections for use in Department of Defense (DoD) applications. The Compact Heading Error Free Scalar (CHEFS) magnetometer leverages the inherent accuracy of atomic transitions in a warm vapor while adopting a quantum sensor architecture to produce orientation-independent magnetic measurements, using similar components with demonstrated compatibility with low size, weight, and power (SWaP) operation. Development of such a sensor introduces a mechanism for universal application of a magnetic-aided navigation system to all aircraft that is capable maintaining ∼10-30 m position accuracy even in GPS-denied environments using a globally available magnetic field reference.