Phononic Comb Enhanced Gradiometer Sensitivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current MEMS-based magnetostrictive magnetic field sensors struggle to achieve the sensitivity levels of quantum-based SQUID devices or SERF atomic magnetometers, requiring cryogenic cooling, and face challenges in enhancing sensitivity without interfering with the built-in magnetic bias when exposed to the Earth's magnetic field.
Innovation Solution
The use of phononic frequency combs to amplify the phase separation between oscillators in magnetostrictively-coated resonators, allowing for enhanced sensitivity and measurement accuracy in ambient earth environments without increasing the local magnetic field, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quantum-based SQUID devices or SERF atomic magnetometers are used to achieve high sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but the device requires cryogenic cooling and becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces quantum-based magnetic sensing mechanisms (SQUID, SERF atomic magnetometers) with a mechanical resonator-based sensing system. The resonators detect magnetic fields through mechanical vibrations and frequency shifts, eliminating the need for cryogenic cooling while achieving comparable sensitivity through phononic comb amplification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the resonators by utilizing phononic combs to amplify frequency shifts. This parameter amplification approach enables the mechanical system to achieve high sensitivity without requiring the extreme temperature conditions needed by quantum-based devices
2Measurement precision
If the local magnetic field is increased to enhance sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but the built-in magnetic bias is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phononic combs as an intermediary mechanism to amplify the sensing signal. Instead of directly increasing the magnetic field, the system uses mechanical resonance amplification through phononic combs to enhance the frequency shift signal, thereby improving sensitivity without interfering with the magnetic bias
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibrations of the resonators to detect and amplify magnetic field effects. The resonators vibrate at specific frequencies, and magnetic field-induced frequency shifts are amplified through phononic comb generation, providing sensitivity enhancement without direct magnetic field amplification that would disrupt the bias
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 sub-pT/√Hz sensitivity for magnetic anomaly detection using small, uncooled, low-power sensors, allowing for native earth terrain measurements with improved sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
each of the at least a pair of resonators is at least partially covered or coated with a magnetostrictive film
Implementation Method 2
applying an output of the first resonator to a second resonator configured as a non-linear resonator for generating a comb of frequencies
Implementation Method 3
generating a comb of frequencies, the frequencies in said comb of frequencies being each separated by a frequency that corresponds to a difference in said environmental factor as sensed at the first and second resonators
Implementation Method 4
A Quartz MEMS Piezoelectric Resonator
Data Source
AI summary
A differential gradiometer comprising a substrate with at least a pair of resonators disposed thereon, wherein each of the at least a pair of resonators is sensitive to environmental factors which produces differential strains between the resonators, a first one of said pair of resonators being connected with a circuit for forming a first oscillator, the second one of said pair of resonators being connected with another circuit for forming a non-linear oscillator, an output of the first oscillator being applied to the non-linear oscillator for generating a comb of frequencies, wherein an addition oscillator is locked to the nth tooth of the comb thereby increasing the sensitivity of the gradiometer by a factor of n.