Synopsis
Here is a summary of the key points from the paper “Precision Magnetometers for Aerospace Applications: A Review”:
- Magnetometers are crucial for aerospace applications like spacecraft control, precision measurements, and navigation. Past and current missions have relied on magnetometers, including Mars missions like MAVEN and future missions to Europa.
- Emerging magnetometer technologies like atomic magnetometers, optomechanical magnetometers, and magnetometers based on atomic defects in solids offer improved sensitivity, size, weight, and power consumption compared to traditional technologies. This enables new applications.
- Atomic magnetometers based on alkali metals like potassium offer femtotesla sensitivity in a miniaturized package. They have been used for biomagnetic imaging and could be applied to unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Optomechanical magnetometers use radiation pressure and optical cavities to measure magnetic fields. They can potentially reach picotesla sensitivity.
- Magnetometers based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond offer vector magnetic field sensing and can operate at room temperature. They have potential uses in navigation.
- Overall, these emerging optical magnetometers provide a combination of high sensitivity, small size/weight, and low power that is enabling new aerospace applications in areas like navigation, unmanned vehicles, and exploration. Their development is driven by the needs of practical applications.
