

Objective
To develop a portable, highly efficient Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Center-based Quantum Magnetometer, tailored specifically for detecting Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIEDs).
Description
Quantum magnetometers, especially those utilizing Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) technology, offer a significant advancement in sensitivity and precision beyond conventional explosive detection methods [1]. Utilizing quantum mechanical principles, such as electron and atomic nucleus spin states, these devices can detect minor fluctuations in magnetic fields [2].
This high sensitivity is crucial for pinpointing the often-subtle magnetic signatures associated with the metallic components in PBIEDs and landmines, particularly in situations where traditional metal detectors are ineffective, such as detecting explosives with low metal content or in settings with extensive metallic interference. Diamond NV-Magnetometers provide notable benefits in detecting PBIEDs.
Their exceptional sensitivity enables the detection of extremely weak magnetic fields, essential for identifying discrete magnetic anomalies. The innate robustness and durability of diamond construction make these instruments suitable for use in harsh or fluctuating field conditions. Moreover, their operational efficiency across a broad spectrum of temperatures and environmental conditions, without reliance on cooling systems, vacuum environments, or intense bias fields, adds to their practicality and accessibility in field deployments [3].
The high spatial resolution of these magnetometers facilitates precise localization of concealed PBIEDs. Furthermore, their capacity for non-invasive and standoff detection notably enhances the safety of personnel involved in explosive detection.
Despite these advantages, Diamond NV-Magnetometers encounter several challenges in PBIED detection. The costliness and complexity of manufacturing high-quality diamond sensors, along with the necessity for accompanying laser and microwave systems, impede their widespread implementation. While their sensitivity is high, it may not match the levels of certain cryogenically cooled magnetometers, potentially affecting their efficacy in detecting extremely small or deeply buried devices [4].
Their sensitivity also raises the possibility of false positives in metal-rich environments, a significant operational concern. Moreover, the need for a uniform magnetic field and current limitations in detection range and depth could diminish their effectiveness in some scenarios. Additionally, the intricate data produced by NV-magnetometers requires complex processing and interpretation [4], possibly necessitating advanced expertise or computational support.
This solicitation invites creative proposals for designing and developing a portable Diamond NV-based Quantum Magnetometer, aimed at harnessing the technology’s remarkable sensitivity and spatial resolution for the proficient detection of PBIEDs.
Proposals should exhibit a thorough understanding of the practical challenges and diverse operational contexts in which the magnetometer will be employed. Selection will be based on each proposal’s potential to craft a versatile, reliable, and effective solution for the pressing need in PBIED detection, significantly contributing to public safety and security.
Phase I
Explore the foundational groundwork for the development of the Diamond NV-Magnetometer. Evaluate of the proposed technology’s capabilities, particularly focusing on sensitivity, selectivity, and portability of detection for metallic objects. Create detailed design schematics and material specifications, as well as the development of technological methodologies. These efforts will collectively outline how the magnetometer will be adapted for portability and detail the approaches for enhancing its sensitivity and selectivity.
Phase II
Develop a working prototype based on the design and findings from Phase I. Construct a fully functioning prototype of the Diamond NV-Magnetometer, incorporating all the design aspects and technological innovations found in Phase I. Conduct rigorous testing of the prototype, encompassing both laboratory and field tests to determine the system’s sensitivity and selectivity various targets. Analyze testing outcomes will provide crucial insights into the prototype’s performance and areas needing improvement. Deliver a working prototype to the government for further testing.
Phase III
Develop a working prototype based on the design and findings from Phase I. Construct a fully functioning prototype of the Diamond NV-Magnetometer, incorporating all the design aspects and technological innovations found in Phase I. Conduct rigorous testing of the prototype, encompassing both laboratory and field tests to determine the system’s sensitivity and selectivity various targets. Analyze testing outcomes will provide crucial insights into the prototype’s performance and areas needing improvement. Deliver a working prototype to the government for further testing.
Submission Information
For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.
SBIR|STTR Help Desk: usarmy.sbirsttr@army.mil
References:
Objective
To develop a portable, highly efficient Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Center-based Quantum Magnetometer, tailored specifically for detecting Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIEDs).
Description
Quantum magnetometers, especially those utilizing Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) technology, offer a significant advancement in sensitivity and precision beyond conventional explosive detection methods [1]. Utilizing quantum mechanical principles, such as electron and atomic nucleus spin states, these devices can detect minor fluctuations in magnetic fields [2].
This high sensitivity is crucial for pinpointing the often-subtle magnetic signatures associated with the metallic components in PBIEDs and landmines, particularly in situations where traditional metal detectors are ineffective, such as detecting explosives with low metal content or in settings with extensive metallic interference. Diamond NV-Magnetometers provide notable benefits in detecting PBIEDs.
Their exceptional sensitivity enables the detection of extremely weak magnetic fields, essential for identifying discrete magnetic anomalies. The innate robustness and durability of diamond construction make these instruments suitable for use in harsh or fluctuating field conditions. Moreover, their operational efficiency across a broad spectrum of temperatures and environmental conditions, without reliance on cooling systems, vacuum environments, or intense bias fields, adds to their practicality and accessibility in field deployments [3].
The high spatial resolution of these magnetometers facilitates precise localization of concealed PBIEDs. Furthermore, their capacity for non-invasive and standoff detection notably enhances the safety of personnel involved in explosive detection.
Despite these advantages, Diamond NV-Magnetometers encounter several challenges in PBIED detection. The costliness and complexity of manufacturing high-quality diamond sensors, along with the necessity for accompanying laser and microwave systems, impede their widespread implementation. While their sensitivity is high, it may not match the levels of certain cryogenically cooled magnetometers, potentially affecting their efficacy in detecting extremely small or deeply buried devices [4].
Their sensitivity also raises the possibility of false positives in metal-rich environments, a significant operational concern. Moreover, the need for a uniform magnetic field and current limitations in detection range and depth could diminish their effectiveness in some scenarios. Additionally, the intricate data produced by NV-magnetometers requires complex processing and interpretation [4], possibly necessitating advanced expertise or computational support.
This solicitation invites creative proposals for designing and developing a portable Diamond NV-based Quantum Magnetometer, aimed at harnessing the technology’s remarkable sensitivity and spatial resolution for the proficient detection of PBIEDs.
Proposals should exhibit a thorough understanding of the practical challenges and diverse operational contexts in which the magnetometer will be employed. Selection will be based on each proposal’s potential to craft a versatile, reliable, and effective solution for the pressing need in PBIED detection, significantly contributing to public safety and security.
Phase I
Explore the foundational groundwork for the development of the Diamond NV-Magnetometer. Evaluate of the proposed technology’s capabilities, particularly focusing on sensitivity, selectivity, and portability of detection for metallic objects. Create detailed design schematics and material specifications, as well as the development of technological methodologies. These efforts will collectively outline how the magnetometer will be adapted for portability and detail the approaches for enhancing its sensitivity and selectivity.
Phase II
Develop a working prototype based on the design and findings from Phase I. Construct a fully functioning prototype of the Diamond NV-Magnetometer, incorporating all the design aspects and technological innovations found in Phase I. Conduct rigorous testing of the prototype, encompassing both laboratory and field tests to determine the system’s sensitivity and selectivity various targets. Analyze testing outcomes will provide crucial insights into the prototype’s performance and areas needing improvement. Deliver a working prototype to the government for further testing.
Phase III
Develop a working prototype based on the design and findings from Phase I. Construct a fully functioning prototype of the Diamond NV-Magnetometer, incorporating all the design aspects and technological innovations found in Phase I. Conduct rigorous testing of the prototype, encompassing both laboratory and field tests to determine the system’s sensitivity and selectivity various targets. Analyze testing outcomes will provide crucial insights into the prototype’s performance and areas needing improvement. Deliver a working prototype to the government for further testing.
Submission Information
For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.
SBIR|STTR Help Desk: usarmy.sbirsttr@army.mil
References: