Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Navy SBIR FY2007.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2007.2 Topic No.: N07-120 Topic Title: Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Proposal No.: N072-120-0248 Firm: QUASAR Federal Systems, Inc. 5754 Pacific Center Blvd. Suite 203 San Diego, California 92121 Contact: Yongming Zhang Phone: (858) 200-2229 Web Site: www.quasarusa.com Abstract: An inexpensive sonobuoy to detect the Extremely Low Frequency magnetic field emissions from a submarine would complement the Navy's acoustic detection capability. Under this program, QUASAR Federal Systems (QFS) together with Applied Signal Technology and Prof. John Hildebrand of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography will bring to bear demonstrated expertise in magnetic induction sensors and sensor systems to build a cost-effective underwater B-field sensing system. The system will be based on the QFS 18" long induction sensor, reconfigured to fit in an A-sized sonobuoy. The proposed system will be capable of detecting and processing ELF magnetic field signals in the ocean with sufficient sensitivity for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). The proposed system will fit into an A-size sonobuoy, have a sensitivity of 0.3 - 0.5 pT/rtHz at 1Hz, reject vibration and motion induced noise below 0.5 Hz, incorporate other motion noise cancellation capabilities, have integrated data acquisition, processing and telemetry, and be low cost enough to make a disposable system feasible. In Phase I, we will establish the feasibility of using a magnetic induction sensor for this application, and in the Option period, we will provide an outline design for a free floating sonobuoy prototype. Benefits: The technology to be developed under this program would have immediate benefit to the Navy's submarine monitoring and tracking capabilities. In addition, low frequency magnetic sensing is very important in mine detection and airborne ASW, and the anticipated advances in sensitivity and sensor cost reduction in this program will favorably impact these other Navy applications. In general, the work in this program will add to QFS's understanding of underwater EM sensing, an application area of great interest to the company. The magnetic sensor and associated hardware and software that will result from this program will complement the electric-field sensor we have already developed and round out our suite of sensing products. In the commercial arena, QFS is actively pursuing the underwater resource exploration sensing market and this program will add to our products offerings to this market. Return