Integrated Photonics Tensor Magnetometer Common Laser Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic field gradient measurement techniques are prone to noise and error, particularly when using multiple scalar magnetometers, and require numerous measurements to determine magnetic field distributions, which can lead to increased size and weight of sensing devices.
Innovation Solution
An integrated photonics tensor magnetometer system that uses a laser carrier wafer to distribute lasers to multiple magnetometers, coupled with photodetectors and processors to monitor and control laser operations, calculate magnetic field gradients, and reduce noise by making error sources common across the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple scalar magnetometers are used to measure magnetic field gradients, then measurement capability is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetometer functions into a single integrated device that uses a common laser source and photodetector system. Multiple magnetometer sensors share the same optical components, allowing the device to measure magnetic field gradients with multiple measurement points while avoiding the weight penalty of having separate complete magnetometer assemblies for each sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The common laser source and photodetector system serves multiple magnetometer sensors simultaneously. The laser carrier distributes the laser signal to multiple magnetometers, and the photodetectors receive signals from multiple sensors, enabling one optical subsystem to perform the function of what would otherwise require multiple independent optical systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple scalar magnetometers are used to calculate magnetic field gradients, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical subsystems of multiple magnetometers into a shared infrastructure. The laser carrier and photodetector array form a common optical platform that serves multiple magnetometer sensors, reducing the overall system complexity compared to having independent optical systems for each sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the magnetometer functionality from the optical infrastructure. The magnetometer sensors are separated as discrete measurement elements while the optical components (laser, photodetectors) form a shared supporting infrastructure, allowing independent optimization of sensor arrays and optical systems.
3Loss of information
If numerous measurements are taken to determine magnetic field distributions, then measurement completeness is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables simultaneous measurement at multiple spatial points using the array of magnetometer sensors coupled with the common optical system. Instead of sequentially measuring at different locations, the system captures magnetic field information from multiple points concurrently, providing complete magnetic field distribution data in a single measurement cycle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate and efficient measurement of magnetic field gradients with reduced noise and device size, allowing for more precise determination of magnetic field distributions using fewer measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The laser carrier wafer may include waveguides or other optical structures that commonly distribute one or more lasers
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of photodetectors that detect light emitted from the laser carrier wafer and the plurality of magnetometers
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and embodiments for an integrated photonics tensor magnetometer are described herein. In certain embodiments, a system includes a plurality of magnetometers. The system also includes a laser carrier wafer coupled to each of the plurality of magnetometers that commonly distributes one or more lasers to each of the magnetometers in the plurality of magnetometers. Additionally, the system includes a plurality of photodetectors that detect light emitted from the laser carrier wafer and the plurality of magnetometers. Further, the system includes one or more processors that execute computer-executable instructions that cause the processor to monitor and control operation of the one or more lasers and calculate a magnetic field gradient based on the detected light from the magnetometers.