Ultra-sensitive atomic magnetometer system for airborne magnetic anomaly detection Navy STTR FY2004 Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2004 Topic No.: N04-T002 Topic Title: Ultra-sensitive atomic magnetometer system for airborne magnetic anomaly detection Proposal No.: N045-002-0070 Firm: Tristan Technologies, Inc. 6185 Cornerstone Court East Suite 106 San Diego, California 92121 Contact: Tatiana Starr Phone: (858) 550-2722 Web Site: http://www.tristantech.com Abstract: Tristan Technologies, in collaboration with Prof. Romalis of Princeton University, propose to develop a magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) system based on a unique ultra-sensitive atomic magnetometer technology. Magnetometers developed at Princeton achieved world-record sensitivity of 0.5 fT/,cHz with a measurement volume of 0.3 cc. A primary challenge in airborne MAD is achieving high field sensitivities in a low frequency range (0.04-0.5 Hz) in the environment of large magnetic noise and motion platform vibration. Based on the platform dynamics, optimal magnetometer operation and detection parameters will be chosen, including vector magnetometer in zero field and scalar magnetometers with high spin polarization and modulated pumping light. A synthetic gradiometer will be constructed from two atomic magnetometers and a 3-axis fluxgate, operating in a feedback mode. The goal is to demonstrate real-world operation of the gradiometer system, gradiometer sensitivity, effectiveness of feedback, and dynamic range sufficient for deployment on a motion platform. We will demonstrate 1/f noise reduction through use of two-probe laser operation mode. Phase I will culminate in the conceptual system design for airborne MAD, including sensor array, data acquisition, algorithms for noise cancellation, control of motion/vibration induced noise, ruggedization and packaging suitable for fleet operation. Benefits: We anticipate that this work will result in the development of a more sensitive, wide dynamic-range magnetic gradiometer system, integrated into an airborne platform. This system, combined with noise reduction algorithms, will improve standoff detection ranges to higher than 9,000 ft with a magnetic anomaly detection sensitivity of better than 1 fT. This system will also significantly extend standoff ranges for airborne unexplored ordnance detection (UXO). With recently increased terrorism threats and global regional conflicts, there is an urgent need for an airborne system to detect underground facilities and remote, buried power lines. There may also be benefits to underwater detection grids (e.g. SOSUS). Improved sensitivity magnetometers can also significantly contribute to the fields of biomagnetism, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and geophysical minerals exploration. Return