DON27BZ02-NV015 TITLE: High Sensitivity Tunneling Magnetoresistive Magnetometers

OUSW (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance (Q-BID)

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY PRIORITY AREA(S): Microelectronics;Quantum Science

PROJECTED CMMC LEVEL REQUIREMENT: Level 2 (Self)

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. 

OBJECTIVE: Modernize United States capabilities to produce ultra-low size, weight, power, and cost (SWAP-C) tunneling magnetoresistive magnetometers with industry leading sensitivities.

DESCRIPTION: Many Navy systems utilize magnetometer technologies for the remote detection, localization, and classification of ferrous objects. Decades of research into different technologies including optically pumped magnetometers have provided highly sensitive technologies which meet most Navy sensitivity needs. However, higher sensitivity magnetometers also possess increased SWAP-C, which limits their applicability in many Navy applications.

Therefore, there is a direct need for highly sensitive magnetometers that are also compact, low cost, and low power to support a broader range of Navy mission requirements including one-way attack vehicles, expeditionary warfare, mine warfare, and swarming systems. Over the past 30 years, an adjacent technology known as tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) has had drastic improvements in system sensitivities, unlocking a potential new regime of magnetometer technologies that exhibit ultra-low SWAP-C while maintaining Navy relevant sensitivities.

Design Requirements:

-Size: less than 10 mm x 10 mm per axis

-Power: less than 100 mW per axis

-Sensitivity: less than 50 pT/rt(Hz) @ 1 Hz

-Frequency Range: DC-500KHz

-Dynamic Range: -100 uT to 100 uT

-Nonlinearity over dynamic range: less than 0.1 %

-Standardized per unit electrical packaging

PHASE I: Produce a concept for single-axis TMR sensors that possess a design that satisfies the above criteria and also include a per sensor voltage-to-field calibration for confirmation by stakeholders. Provide an analysis or discussion of the potential tradeoffs in the Phase I report if the design concept cannot meet the design objectives. (Note: Justification for the prior should include comparative analysis of COTS capabilities, U.S. and International.)

PHASE II: Fabricate 6 or 9 prototype systems for evaluation and testing in a vector configuration including voltage-to-field calibration for each sensor. Demonstrate that the prototypes achieve or show potential for meeting the design requirements and intended use applications. Conduct testing in conjunction with Navy personnel. Address both cost effectiveness and manufacturability feasibility as part of the prototype test and evaluation. Consult the appropriate acquisition program office for any additional evaluation metrics needed for Phase III. Perform potential commercialization cost analysis to estimate at production cost per unit and prepare a Phase III commercialization/transition plan.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Apply the knowledge gained in Phase II to build an advanced vector TMR prototype that meets appropriate technology readiness level (TRL) metrics set by the acquisition program office. Support the Navy for test and validation of the system for certified Navy use. Develop manufacturing plans to facilitate transition to a UUV program of record.

Explore the potential to transfer these TMR sensors for potential commercial use in magnetic surveying and UXO detection.

REFERENCES:

1. TDK: "New Development Based on High-Sensitivity Nivia xMR Sensor: Measurement of Weak Magnetic Fields from Minute Areas." https://product.tdk.com/en/techlibrary/developing/bio-sensor/migne-xmr-sensor.html

KEYWORDS: Magnetometery, Tunneling Magnetoresistance, Magnetic Anomaly Detection

TPOC 1: Amanda Bobe
amanda.l.bobe.civ@us.navy.mil

TPOC 2: Noah Schulz
noah.c.schulz.civ@us.navy.mil