Laser based Remote Magnetometry with Mesospheric Sodium Atoms for Geomagnetic Field Measurements

Although technology for in situ measurement of geomagnetic field or planetary magnetic field has been well developed and widely used in NASA missions, technology for remote field measurement has not been realized so far. The scientific research described in this proposal focuses on the development of a new laser based remote magnetometer (LRM) which will enable remote measurement of earth’s magnetic field at mesospheric altitude (> 90 km above the earth’s surface) with high sensitivity. The proposed technology can be scaled to develop an optimal, low-cost global magnetic sensor array for large-area mapping of the magnetic field. We propose to design the LRM prototype by integrating various components such as laser source, modulator, photon detector, optics and electronics onto a single platform. To realize a compact design of the LRM prototype, we plan to explore a new Raman fiber laser (RFL) technology. We will also develop a relatively inexpensive, compact amplified-DFB laser source to overcome any unanticipated polarization or linewidth related problem with RFL technology. Our ultimate goal in this effort will be to engineer the LRM prototype to demonstrate high sensitivity (~10-20 nT/√Hz) in remote magnetic field measurement by leveraging advantages of its components. We will conduct lab experiments with LRM to measure magnetic resonance in the return signal from a sodium vapor cell. These experiments will be designed to analyze the performance of LRM under simulated mesospheric conditions. We will conduct experiments with buffer gas filled sodium cell to measure various characteristics of magnetic resonance as functions of sodium density (or cell temperature), laser polarization, laser power, and magnetic field intensity and orientation. This will help us in determining optimal conditions for achieving highest sensitivity for LRM, and establishing scaling rules for sensitivity enhancement. We will develop a theoretical model for LRM using a comprehensive atomic density-matrix based calculation. Results obtained from this model will be compared to validate with our experimental results. We will carry out field-test and technology demonstrations of LRM by launching the laser beam into mesosphere from the NASA GSFC optical site. Effects of velocity-diffusion and spin relaxation of mesospheric sodium atoms on magnetic resonance will be thoroughly investigated. We will collect science data using LRM to infer strength and variation of the geomagnetic field in the mesosphere. Our primary goal in this study will be to demonstrate remote magnetic field measurement with LRM, and assess its technology-readiness level (TRL) for potential future mission development. The proposed research will create a unique technological advancement capability for remote magnetic field measurement which is of significant relevance to NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and Science Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). DSU Science team of this project will collaborate with three prominent NASA GSFC scientists who are experts involved in many technology missions at NASA. The Sc-I will be able to expand her technology development research in remote sensing, thereby enhancing the State’s research capacity in NASA related technology areas. The Sc-I will create a host of education and research opportunities for prevalently underrepresented minority and women students at DSU. Students involved in the project will acquire special skills in magnetometer design, development, and testing experiments. The students will have opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge on all aspects of the proposed research, and interact with NASA scientists via meetings, discussions, and internship opportunities at NASA GSFC. The Sc-I will also conduct outreach activities in local high schools and middle schools in Delaware encouraging them for active participation in NASA related research and STEM education.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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