Photonic Magnetometer-based Electric Current Perturbation Nondestructive Inspection System Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-059 Topic Title: Photonic Magnetometer-based Electric Current Perturbation Nondestructive Inspection System Proposal No.: N091-059-0135 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Photonic Systems Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100 Torrance, California 90501 Contact: John Matthews Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for a novel nondestructive method for volumetric inspection of welds and corrosion under thick polymeric coatings in steel hull structures, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Photonic Magnetometer-based Electric Current Perturbation (PHOME) nondestructive inspection system. The system design based on a novel optically interrogated magnetic sensor offers sensitivity of 1 pico-Tesla/square root Hz in a bandwidth of 0.1 to 1,000 Hz needed for complete volumetric inspection and detection of sub-millimeter defects and corrosion. Innovative 2D mapping based on tracking technology and magnetic image analyses enables location and sizing of the detected defects. The system offers single-sided inspection through 50 mm-thick polymer coatings, and detection, location, and sizing of corrosion (<0.3 mm thick) and weld defects (<1 mm long at 30 mm depth) in a hand-portable system to directly address the Virginia Class Submarine Program requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the PHOME approach by analytical calculation, and assembly of a technology readiness level (TRL 4) prototype and tests on samples provided by the Navy. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a TRL 5-6 prototype, and demonstrate performance on Navy-provided test plates, and in a shipyard environment. Benefits: Commercial applications of the PHOME technology include nondestructive testing of structural steel components of nuclear and fossil fuel power plants, refineries, and commercial aircraft. The novel photonic magnetometer that forms the key component of the PHOME system can be incorporated into a low-frequency magnetic communications system for emergency mine communications, among other applications. Military applications of the PHOME technology will include nondestructive testing of structural metallic components in aircraft and spacecraft. The novel photonic magnetometer developed as part of this project can be applied to underwater mine detection and magnetic-anomaly detection by the U.S. Navy, as well as ground vehicle and land mine or other unexploded ordnance detection by the U.S. Army and Homeland Security. The photonic magnetometer can serve as part of a low-frequency, magnetic communications link for through-the-earth communications. Return