NV Center Magnetometer Navigation with ORSE Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetometers using magneto-optical defect center materials face challenges in providing precise navigation, especially when GPS is unavailable, due to high error rates and the need for accurate earth magnetic field reference data, and are limited by size, weight, and power constraints, as well as operating conditions such as high vacuum and cryogenic temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system incorporating a magnetometer with a nitrogen vacancy diamond material, an inertial measurement unit, and an optimal reduced state estimate (ORSE) filter, which processes magnetic field measurements to determine vehicle position and correct inertial navigation errors, utilizing dual RF elements for uniform microwave excitation and enhanced light collection, and transforming data into an Earth-centered inertial reference frame for accurate state estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetometers use magneto-optical defect center materials to sense magnetic fields, then measurement capability is provided, but error rates are high and precision is poor without GPS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magneto-optical defect center magnetometers with inertial measurement units (IMU) and applies optimal reduced state estimate (ORSE) filtering to integrate multiple sensor data sources. This fusion approach compensates for individual sensor limitations and reduces navigation errors in GPS-denied environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms magnetic field measurements and IMU data into an Earth-centered inertial reference frame, changing the coordinate system parameters to enable accurate state estimation and position determination through the ORSE filter.
2Measurement precision
If advanced magnetic imaging systems operate in restricted conditions such as high vacuum and cryogenic temperatures, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but applicability to ambient conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond, which maintain their quantum properties and magnetic sensing capability across a wide temperature range from cryogenic to ambient conditions. This material property enables the system to operate in diverse environments without requiring vacuum or temperature control.
3Quantity of substance
If small size, weight and power magnetic sensors are used, then SWAP constraints are satisfied, but sensitivity and measurement capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs diamond material containing nitrogen vacancy defect centers, which provides exceptional magnetic field sensitivity in a compact form factor. The diamond crystal structure with controlled defect centers enables high sensitivity while maintaining small size and low power consumption.
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
The system achieves near GPS-like accuracy, providing precise terrestrial navigation with tens of meters' accuracy, even in GPS-denied environments, by effectively integrating magneto-optical defect center magnetometers with inertial measurement units and advanced filtering algorithms, while maintaining operational viability in various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Magneto-optical defect center materials with defect centers can be used to sense an applied magnetic field by transmitting light into the materials and measuring the responsive light that is emitted
Implementation Method 2
a magnetometer with a nitrogen vacancy diamond material
Implementation Method 3
transmitting light into the materials and measuring the responsive light that is emitted
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include an inertial measurement unit, a magnetometer configured to measure a magnetic field, and a processing system having an ORSE filter. The processing system can be configured to determine an estimated position based on a change in velocity or angular rate based on data received from the inertial measurement unit, determine a difference between the measured magnetic field from the magnetometer and the expected magnetic field measurement, and determine a state estimate using the ORSE filter by updating a time propagation of state and covariance with a measurement update of the state and covariance. The processing system can be configured to transform a change in velocity, a change in angulate rate, and the measured magnetic field to an Earth-centered inertial reference frame for the ORSE filter.