Lightweight Laser Magnetic Gradiometer (LLMG) Navy SBIR FY2008.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.3 Topic No.: N08-218 Topic Title: Lightweight Laser Magnetic Gradiometer (LLMG) Proposal No.: N083-218-0166 Firm: Polatomic, Inc. 1810 N. Glenville Dr. Suite 116 Richardson, Texas 75081 Contact: Robert Slocum Phone: (972) 690-0099 Web Site: polatomic.com Abstract: This Phase I Small Business Research Project will develop a conceptual design for a Lightweight Laser Magnetic Gradiometer suitable for integration into UUVs such as the REMUS 100 and similar platforms. The LLMG is used to characterize buried mines and eliminate sonar clutter in shallow water MCM operations where it is desirable to remove men and other mammals from the water. The LLMG design will consist of two laser-pumped omnidirectional scalar sensors placed along the platform longitudinal axis in a nose housing that is a roll-on, roll-off module for the UUV. Polatomic laser magnetometer technology was recently demonstrated in the Laser Scalar Gradiometer at AUV FEST 07 and 08 with outstanding results. The individual sensors will have a sensitivity better than 15pT/root-Hz and can be operated at their demonstrated sensitivity better than 1 pT/root Hz if required (better than 300 fT/root-Hz in AN/ASQ-233 Airborne MAD system). The LLMG design will address miniaturization and packaging for neutral buoyancy and robustness for handling as a UUV nose cone module. The feasibility of designing and fabricating a LLGM prototype in Phase II will be assessed in Phase I, and the Phase II technical plan will be developed for design and fabrication of a brass-board model in Phase II. Benefits: The LLMG will have a variety of commercial and military applications in miniaturized state-of-the-art magnetic detection systems used for ASW, locating magnetic mines, unexploded ordnance and buried or camouflaged tanks or missiles, detecting and monitoring Underground Facilities, ELF receivers, Earth and planetary magnetic surveys, as well as vehicle and intrusion detection. The LLMG will find applications in UAVs for use in geophysical airborne magnetic prospecting as well as in UUVs for undersea geophysical and archeological prospecting. The LLMG technology is currently being considered by the US Navy and the Japanese Defense Agency for submarine detection and mine countermeasures applications. The LLMG capabilities of outstanding accuracy, scalar and vector gradiometer measurements, omnidirectionality without dead zones, and high-frequency detection will open up a variety of applications in commercial security and surveillance applications. Return