Lightweight Magnetic Optical Gradiometer (LMOG) for Autonomous Cable Repair Mission

This Phase I Small Business Research Project will develop a conceptual design for a Lightweight Magnetic Optical Gradiometer (LMOG) for integration onto a Navy Class III Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. The LMOG is used to magnetically locate undersea cables. The LMOG design will consist of four laser-pumped omnidirectional scalar sensors placed along the platform longitudinal axis in a housing that is a roll-on, roll-off module for the LDUUV. Polatomic laser magnetometer technology was recently demonstrated in the Laser Scalar Gradiometer at AUV FEST with outstanding results achieved very high scores in the Mk18 Mod 2 Kingfish UUV. The individual gradiometers will have a sensitivity better than 2pT/root-Hz. The LMOG design will address miniaturization and packaging for integration onto the LDUUV in a location for optimum performance. A trade study will identify the optimum location which may be inboard or external to the LDUAV. The feasibility of designing and fabricating LMOG, signal processing for locating the cable and cable breaks and integration onto the LDUUV will be established in Phase I and demonstrated in Phase II. The Phase II technical plan will be developed for design and fabrication of a prototype system which will be integrated onto an LDUUV and demonstrated in Phase II.