Multiprobe in-situ measurement of magnetic field in a minefield via a distributed network of miniaturized low-power integrated sensor systems for detection of magnetic field anomalies

Abstract

Based on technologies developed for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Free-Flying-Magnetometer (FFM) concept, we propose to modify the present design of FFMs for detection of mines and arsenals with large magnetic signature. The result will be an integrated miniature sensor system capable of identifying local magnetic field anomaly caused by a magnetic dipole moment. Proposed integrated sensor system is in line with the JPL technology road-map for development of autonomous, intelligent, networked, integrated systems with a broad range of applications. In addition, advanced sensitive magnetic sensors (e.g., silicon micromachined magnetometer, laser pumped helium magnetometer) are being developed for future NASA space plasma probes. It is envisioned that a fleet of these Integrated Sensor Systems (ISS) units will be dispersed on a mine-field via an aerial vehicle (a low-flying airplane or helicopter). The number of such sensor systems in each fleet and the corresponding in-situ probe-grid cell size is based on the strength of magnetic anomaly of the target and ISS measurement resolution of magnetic field vector. After a specified time, ISS units will transmit the measured magnetic field and attitude data to an air-borne platform for further data processing. The cycle of data acquisition and transmission will be continued until batteries run out. Data analysis will allow a local deformation of the Earth's magnetic field vector by a magnetic dipole moment to be detected. Each ISS unit consists of miniaturized sensitive 3- axis magnetometer, high resolution analog-to-digital converter (ADC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based data subsystem, Li-batteries and power regulation circuitry, memory, S-band transmitter, single-patch antenna, and a sun angle sensor. ISS unit is packaged with non-magnetic components and the electronic design implements low-magnetic signature circuits. Care is undertaken to guarantee no corruption of magnetometer sensitivity as a result of its close proximity with the electronics and packaging materials. Accurate calibration of the magnetometer response in advance will allow removing the effects of unwanted disturbances. Improvements of the magnetometer performance in the areas of the orthogonality, drift, and temperature coefficient of offset and scale factor are required.