Remote Atmospheric Optical Magnetometry
Abstract
ONR FY15 Abstract Remote Atmospheric Optical Magnetometry Optical magnetometry is a highly sensitive method for measuring small variations in magnetic fields. The development of a remote optical magnetometry system would have important applications for the detection of underwater and underground objects that perturb the local ambient magnetic field, e.g., submarines and mines. Present day Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) search rates are limited by the relatively short detection range of the magnetometer onboard the aircraft. A variety of noise sources pose a challenge to increasing the detection range. One alternative would be to measure the Earth’s magnetic field at some standoff distance from the aircraft. There are significant fundamental challenges for remote measurements near the ocean’s surface. This project will assess the feasibility of remote sensing concepts near the ocean’s surface in light of advances in technology over the last 20 years. The general goal would be to identify a remote magnetic detection scheme that could measure magnetic fields in Earth’s atmosphere at a standoff distance of ~ one kilometer from the sensor with a relative sensitivity of ~ 10 micro Gauss. A remote magnetic measurement capability would have important Navy applications. The program goals are flexible and the investigator(s) will report on the possible physical concepts which may be applicable. The program will investigate and study, among others, the use of molecular oxygen and Xenon 129 as the magnetic detection species.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512086
Entities
People
- Phillip A. Sprangle
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Maryland