Magnetic Sensors Project
Abstract
Clandestine mine reconnaissance is one of the Navy's highest priorities. During the 1980's, the Superconducting Gradiometer/Magnetometer Sensor (SGMS) was demonstrated in the Magnetic and Acoustic Detection of Mines Advanced Technology Demonstration (MADOM ATD) to provide effective detection/classification capabilities, especially against buried mines, and to reduce significantly acoustic false alarms arising from bottom clutter [1]- [3]. This sensor utilized Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) manufactured using the low critical temperature (low Tc) superconductor niobium and required liquid helium for sensor cooling. Advanced magnetic sensor approaches are being developed to transition this technology to the fleet. OBJECTIVES The current focus of this project is to develop an advanced High Tc Superconducting Gradiometer (HTSG) prototype cooled by liquid nitrogen and to demonstrate it at sea. This development will make it possible to achieve the long detection ranges and superior classification and localization capabilities previously reserved to low Tc sensors such as the SGMS. In comparison to its low Tc counterpart, the HTSG can provide substantially reduced package sizes and minimal cryogen support requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA542153
Entities
People
- Ted R. Clem