Laser Remote Magnetometry Using Mesospheric Sodium
Abstract
We have demonstrated a remote magnetometer based on sodium atoms in the Earth's mesosphere, at a 106‐km distance from our instrument. A 1.33‐watt laser illuminated the atoms, and the magnetic field was inferred from backscattered light collected by a telescope with a 1.55‐m‐diameter aperture. We theoretically predict a shot noise limited measurement sensitivity of . The measured sensitivity was due to a smaller returned intensity and smaller resonance strength than expected. The value of magnetic field inferred from our measurement is consistent with several models of the Earth's field shape to within a fraction of a percent. Projected improvements in optics, plus the use of advanced lasers or a large telescope, could result in sensitivity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1029/2018ja025178
Entities
People
- Craig A. Denman
- Michael E. Purucker
- Michael Hart
- Paul Hillman
- R. Phillip Scott
- S. J. Potashnik
- Thomas Kane
Organizations
- Goddard Space Flight Center
- Naval Surface Warfare Center
- Office of Naval Research
- University of Arizona