Real-Time Handheld Magnetometer Array
MR-2104
Objective
Magnetometers are an important instrument for detecting munitions in both the land and marine environments. Magnetometers use the Earth’s magnetic field as a transmitter, which enables them to have a large detection range. This is an advantage over electromagnetic (EM) metal detectors, which have their own transmitter whose strength falls off rapidly with distance. Because of this, magnetometers are well suited as a tool to assist in discriminating or reacquiring small objects underwater.
The objective of this project is to build, test, and characterize a handheld ferrous metal detector array with real-time processing algorithms that accurately determines the position, depth, and size of magnetic anomalies from unexploded ordnance (UXO). This will be accomplished by using an array of recently developed low-power, miniature, total-field atomic magnetometers.
Technical Approach
Total-field atomic magnetometer sensors are often used in making detailed surveys of underwater sites containing UXO. Such sensors are deployed on large wings or tow bodies. After the data is gathered, it is typically plotted and analyzed, creating lists of targets that must be remediated. Finally, divers are sent to search again for the targets and the objects are removed. Recently, new atomic magnetometer sensors with an order of magnitude lower power consumption have become available. This now enables the design of small systems containing a two-dimensional array of sensors that have the desirable sensitivity and noise immunity properties of existing magnetometer devices. With such an array of sensors, processing algorithms can be run in real time. This is made possible by gathering data suitable for dipole source analysis in a single instant. By analyzing the data on the spot, the instrument guides a diver toward the target, while indicating the depth, size, and magnetic properties of the anomaly as well.
Benefits
This real-time handheld magnetometer array will allow the operator to better judge whether he or she has actually acquired the desired object, by comparing the object’s size, depth, and signature with that obtained on the initial detailed survey. In addition, the diver may scan nearby to determine if other objects are present. Furthermore, after digging up the object of interest, another scan may be performed to determine if additional UXO might have been misidentified as a single anomaly in the initial survey. Such an instrument could even eliminate the necessity of an initial detailed survey. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2013)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr. Mark Prouty
Geometrics
Phone: 408-954-0522
Fax: 408-954-0902
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.