Linear Polyaxial Fluxgate Gradiometer Array for High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gradiometers configured to measure magnetic fields face limitations in resolution and signal sensitivity due to the use of toroidal coils, which restricts the ability to image field geometries and sample field density effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Linear Polyaxial Fluxgate Gradiometer (LPFG) with an array of magnetometers and machine learning-driven signal processing techniques allows for high-resolution electromagnetic imaging by overcoming signal blowout issues and leveraging the greater sensitivity of linear coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toroidal coils are used in gradiometers, then signal blowout is avoided, but measurement precision and imaging resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the imaging system into an array of multiple magnetometers arranged in a grid pattern, with each magnetometer contributing to a specific region of the image. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high resolution through spatial sampling while maintaining signal stability through the collective measurement of multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from using complex toroidal coil geometries to a planar array of linear magnetometers. By arranging magnetometers in a two-dimensional grid, the system achieves improved resolution through increased spatial sampling density without requiring complex three-dimensional coil structures, thus avoiding signal blowout while enhancing measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If linear coils are used to increase sensitivity, then signal detection capability improves, but signal blowout occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the high-sensitivity linear coil functionality across multiple magnetometers in an array. Each magnetometer uses linear coils for high sensitivity, but the overall signal stability is achieved through the combined measurements and spatial filtering of the entire array, preventing signal blowout that would occur in a single high-sensitivity coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback through the array configuration where each magnetometer's measurement contributes to the overall image reconstruction. The spatial relationships and differential measurements across the array provide feedback that stabilizes the signal while maintaining the high sensitivity of linear coils, allowing the system to operate in the optimal sensitivity range without signal blowout.
3Reliability
If toroidal coil geometry is used, then signal blowout is prevented, but imaging resolution and field sampling density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the single toroidal coil with an array of multiple magnetometers, each with its own coil. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high imaging resolution through dense spatial sampling while each individual coil maintains the signal stability characteristics of traditional designs. The collective array provides the resolution enhancement without sacrificing signal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from the three-dimensional toroidal coil geometry to a two-dimensional planar array of magnetometers. This dimensional change allows for much higher effective sampling density across the imaging plane, achieving superior resolution without the signal blowout problems associated with high-sensitivity linear coils used in traditional single-coil designs.
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 rapid, cost-effective production of deep detail images without destructive delayering, achieving resolutions as low as three nanometers and detecting defects or intellectual property infringement at an atomic level.
Implementation Method 1
Fluxgate magnetometers can also be configured as a pair of linear elements having drive windings each wound in opposing directions
Implementation Method 2
Fluxgate magnetometers can also be configured as a pair of linear elements having drive windings each wound in opposing directions
Implementation Method 3
Gradiometers configured to measure magnetic fields use magnetometers
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for electromagnetic imaging can include capturing, by at least one processor, electromagnetic image data of a sample. The method can also include converting, by the at least one processor, the electromagnetic image data to a multi-layer rasterized image. The method can further include comparing, by the at least one processor, the multi-layer rasterized image to a design file. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.