Work

Sensitive and accurate quantum magnetometry for GNSS-denied positioning, critical national infrastructure, and magnetic anomaly detection

Year: 2024

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) exploiting alkali metal vapours for accurate, precise magnetometry have benefited from improvements in components and techniques in recent years. Microfabrication of alkali cells and chip-scale lasers allow mass-production of compact sensors, and feedback an spin-preparation techniques, such as light-narrowing, allow enhanced performance, comparable with cryogenic SQUID magnetometers. I will introduce two OPM modalities developed at Strathclyde for geomagnetic operation- the digital alkali-spin maser and geophysical free-precession magnetometer. I will discuss the potential impacts of using these sensors for geophysical applications, including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied positioning, monitoring of space weather and magnetic anomaly detection. I will present developments in microfabrication and digital signal processing which will enable their widespread adoption.

DOI: 10.1117/12.3030911

Authors: Stuart Ingleby, Dominic Hunter, Marcin Mrozowski, Paul F. Griffin, Erling Riis

Institution: University of Strathclyde

Language: English

Topic: Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Award: G217618009

OpenAlex ID: W4404400979