WINCHESTER TECHNOLOGIES LLC — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: N17A-T013

Description

Novel low-cost magnetic field sensing technologies are needed to provide additional identification capability for the detection and localization of Mine-Like Contact (MILCO). Traditional magnetic sensors, such as fluxgate and Hall magnetometer, cannot meet the requirements of low cost, low power, high sensitivity and compact size simultaneously. The objective of this proposal is to develop Magnetoelectric (ME) Detection and Ranging (MEDAR) system with magnetoelectric (ME) sensors/antennas having an ultra-low magnetic noise of ~200fT/Hz^1/2 and detection limit of ~100fT at the electromechanical resonance between 1~100kHz, which is ~3 orders of magnitude better than anisotropic magnetoresistive, giant magnetoresistive, and tunneling magnetoresistive sensors. The proposed MEDAR system consists of two ME antennas, which emit and detect alternating magnetic fields that can be scattered by magnetic anomaly at the electromechanical resonance frequency. New ME antennas and antenna arrays will be developed for improved MEDAR performance by using the novel magnetic/piezoelectric materials, designs, and packaging process that can enhance the radiation field and sensitivity while minimizing the vibration noise due to the sea waves. The compact MEDAR system will enable detection of MILCO with a magnetic moment of 20Am^2 at 10 meters underneath the surface, and precise localization within +/-5cm of the MILCO magnetic centroid.