Atomic Triaxial Magnetometer

Vescent Photonics and MIT Lincoln Labs (MIT-LL) propose to develop a quantum-based vector magnetometer with low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP+C) for Navy applications. The proposed system will rely on probing magnetically-sensitive, atomic-like transitions of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond to provide stable, high-bandwidth readout of the vector magnetic field with sub-picotesla sensitivity. The MIT-LL team are experts in NV diamond magnetometry with working benchtop prototypes and in-house diamond growth capabilities. The MIT-LL magnetometer has already successfully demonstrated scale-factor-free vector field measurements with high dynamic range (>4 mT) and excellent long-term stability. As a commercial vendor of high-performance laser systems, Vescent Photonics has expertise in developing low-noise, low SWaP electronics and in packaging micro-electro-optical systems for use in fielded applications. Together, the two teams will convert the MIT-LL benchtop magnetometer to a compact, all-solid-state, deployable module capable of detecting magnetic fields with sub-pT/Hz1/2 sensitivities.