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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 4)
We propose to develop a novel low-cost low-power rad-hard miniaturized solid-state magnetometer for planetary magnetic field sensing. This technology leverages optically active, spin-carrying quantum centers (QC) in wide-bandgap semiconductors such as diamond or silicon carbide. External magnetic fields cause changes in the QC spin energy conformation, which can be detected optically. Wide-bandgap solid-state systems, in comparison to gas-cell based optically pumped magnetometers are interesting because of the material’s intrinsic extensive temperature range (QC deterioration starts above Venus surface temperatures, at about 700C), and radiation hardness (QC implantation fluence ~10^17 e/cm2 vs. Europa orbit 30 day fluence ~10^13 e/cm2). Additionally, the sensor lends itself to miniaturization, as QC are sensitive down to single emitters, i.e. small, sub-mm^3 ensembles are sufficient sensor volumes. The decadal survey identifies the need for a number of scientific instruments addressing the three crosscutting themes of planetary science: (1) understanding solar system beginnings, (2) searching for the requirements for life and (3) revealing planetary processes. Magnetometers are unassuming, but powerful tools aiding in all of these themes. Magnetic fields of celestial bodies give insight into their interior dynamics; in conjunction with simulations helping to better understand the formation and evolution of planets. Rover/lander-based localized B-field measurements yield history of both extant and extinct geodynamos, and, branching out from planetary science to heliophysics, an interstellar probe view of our astrosphere from the outside may allow comparisons to other astrospheres, leading to better understanding of exoplanetary bodies. The proposed technology is an extension to the recent Silicon Carbide solid-state magnetometer (SiCMAG), adding substantially better sensitivities at the expense of requiring optical readout. We leverage optical readout noise being shot noise in nature, while all-electrical systems suffer from 1/f noise. This gives the optical readout approach a significant advantage in low-frequency and long-term stability performance metrics. Consider the two most commonly used magnetometer technologies flown in space: Fluxgate systems exhibit high sensitivities and all-electrical simplicity, but require multiple coils per spatial direction. Additionally, fluxgates are not self-calibrating; drifts in absolute field values necessitate either augmenting the fluxgate system with a self-calibrating system or incorporating complicated spacecraft roll maneuvers into mission planning. Optically pumped He cell systems can counter this issue, operating both in scalar and vector mode, also with very high sensitivities. Their downside is the added complexity of the gas cell, with Helium being notoriously prone to outgas. Also, vector-helium systems are larger and more expensive than fluxgates. OPuS-MAGNM now marries the solid-state simplicity of fluxgates and SiCMAG with the precision and self-calibration capabilities of an atomic gas magnetometer system, with improving longevity over gas cells. It has the potential to provide self-calibrated, heritage-level vector magnetic field science in a radiation-hard and thermal/vacuum-rugged miniaturized package; well suited for all kinds of planetary science missions. By inheriting traits from both the SiCMAG and optically pumped Helium systems, we can leverage preexisting knowledge, electronics and infrastructure. We will extend an existing optical detection system to accommodate RF and 3D B-fields in this work. The next step is the attempt to miniaturize the RF/B/sensor package, while keeping the optical addressing external. The final goal is to integrate on-chip, enabling a 4ccm, <100g integrated sensor package.
developing Instrument technology to improve measurements for future planetary science missions
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