Solid-State Magnetometer for Vectorized Field Sensing in Harsh Planetary Environments

Currently have a working breadboarded prototype using SiC transistors which were initially intended for high power and high temperature applications. Sensitivity is only on the uT/Hz-1/2 scale but can theoretically be pushed well below the nT/Hz-1/2 limit making them competitive with fluxgates and optically pumped atomic gas. Leverage the silicon carbide processing facilities at NASA Glenn (and Monolith Semiconductor) to evaluate performance of various, already fabricated, SiC sensors. Utilize knowledge gained from research in conjunction with defect engineering to enhance performance of future SiC sensors.

Potential Applications: planetary entry probes; landers; missions in extreme environments; swarms of spacecraft significantly smaller than current nanosats. Follow-On Options: Enabling of electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR); Only additional components: VCO, single loop coil (built into PCB); Absolute measurement. Can serve as a calibration method or magnetic field detection itself; Further boost sensitivity; Use of defect engineering to fabricate devices optimized for magnetic field sensing.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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