Fully Integrated Low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) and Cost Magnetometers for Air and In-Water Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Navy SBIR FY2014.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.1
Topic No.: N141-004
Topic Title: Fully Integrated Low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) and Cost Magnetometers for Air and In-Water Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Proposal No.: N141-004-0641
Firm: AOSense, Inc.
767 N Mary Ave
Sunnyvale, California 94085-2909
Contact: Micah Ledbetter
Phone: (408) 735-9500
Web Site: www.aosense.com
Abstract: We propose to develop the next generation of scalar atomic magnetometers with superior performance and lower size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) than is presently available on the market. Our design leverages recent developments in the field of ultra-high sensitivity atomic magnetometers, incorporating multi-pass vapor cells and quantum non-demolition measurements to realize sensitivity in the range of 1-10 fT per root Hz and bandwidth in excess of 1 kHz. Vapor cell and all supporting lasers and electronics will be contained within a volume less than 100 cubic centimeters with less than 1 W total power consumption. To minimize magnetic interference between sensors in high order gradiometer applications, spin coherences will be driven by modulated light.
Benefits: The improved sensitivity and lower SWaP of the sensor proposed here will ensure continued superiority in the area of anti-submarine warfare. Commercial applications for such a device include mineral prospecting, detection of natural resources, and general purpose laboratory instrumentation. AOSense is an industry leader in the development of high performance gravimeters based on atom interferometry. Hybrid sensors incorporating gravimeters and atomic magnetometers will enable new sensing capabilities beyond those of either device by itself.

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