Magnetic Sensors Project
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOALS. Clandestine mine reconnaissance is one of the Navy's highest MCM priorities. During the early 1990's, a helium-cooled superconducting gradiometer was demonstrated in the Magnetic and Acoustic Detection of Mines (MADOM) ATD to provide effective detection and classification, especially against buried mines, and to reduce acoustic false alarms significantly [1], [2]. This sensor utilized the low critical temperature (low Tc) superconductor niobium and required liquid helium for sensor cooling. Advanced 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 provide localization and classification capabilities inconceivable using current Fleet magnetometers such as the ASQ-81/208 and to achieve the longer detection ranges previously reserved to low-Tc sensors. 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, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA629897
Entities
People
- Ted R. Clem