Magneto-optic Magnetometer Using Polymer Cladding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetometers for measuring small magnetic fields, such as nano- and sub-nano-tesla fields, are either costly, complex in fabrication, fragile, or unsuitable for portable and durable systems due to their high cost, fragility, and intricate fabrication processes, limiting their viability for environmental and biomedical applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) based magnetometers using high-sensitivity magneto-optic nanocomposite materials as optical device cladding, which interact with evanescent fields to measure magnetic fields through the Faraday rotation effect, allowing for the detection of magnetic fields below the Earth's magnetic field limits using on-chip resonators and tapered fibers with simple fabrication techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current magnetometers are used to measure small magnetic fields, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical magnetometer systems with an optical-based magnetometer using a photonic chip, waveguide, and magneto-optic material. The system uses light polarization changes (Faraday effect) to detect magnetic fields, substituting mechanical/electrical components with optical components that are easier to fabricate on standard photonic platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using evanescent field interaction length and magneto-optic material properties (Verdet constant) to enhance sensitivity. By optimizing the interaction length between evanescent light fields and the magneto-optic material, the system achieves high sensitivity without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If current magnetometers are used to measure small magnetic fields, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetometer is designed as a universal photonic component that can be integrated into existing photonic circuit manufacturing processes. The same fabrication techniques used for optical waveguides and resonators are used to create the magnetometer, allowing it to be manufactured alongside other photonic components using standard semiconductor fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical magnetometer systems with an optical-based magnetometer using a photonic chip, waveguide, and magneto-optic material. The system uses light polarization changes (Faraday effect) to detect magnetic fields, substituting mechanical/electrical components with optical components that are easier to fabricate on standard photonic platforms.
3Measurement precision
If current magnetometers are used to measure small magnetic fields, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs robust photonic chip materials and magneto-optic coatings that are durable and resistant to environmental factors. The solid-state photonic structure eliminates fragile mechanical components, creating a reliable device suitable for portable and field applications where durability is critical.
4Measurement precision
If current magnetometers are used to measure small magnetic fields, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetometer is designed as a universal photonic component that can be integrated into existing photonic circuit manufacturing processes. The same fabrication techniques used for optical waveguides and resonators are used to create the magnetometer, allowing it to be manufactured alongside other photonic components using standard semiconductor fabrication processes.
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
These magnetometers provide low-cost, durable, and versatile devices capable of measuring small magnetic fields with high sensitivity, suitable for various applications, including biomedical and environmental sensing, with tunable sensitivity and physical dimensions, and the ability to operate in portable systems.
Implementation Method 1
The Faraday effect that occurs when the light interacts with a magneto-optic polymer in the presence of a magnetic field allows the changes in the light's polarization state to be measured, which can then be traced back to determine the strength and orientation of the present magnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices and systems are described that can be used to measure small magnetic fields, such as nano-Tesla and sub nano-Tesla magnetic fields. An example magnetometer includes a core having a photonic material that receives and maintains the propagation of polarized light. The magnetometer's cladding includes a polymer-based magneto-optic (MO) material in contact with the core which surrounds at least part of the core. The core and the cladding are configured to allow at least a portion of the polarized light to enter the cladding to interact with the polymer-based MO material in presence of an external magnetic field. Measurements of the light's polarization state after interaction with the polymer-based magneto-optic (MO) material enable a determination of a strength of the magnetic field.