Initial evaluation and follow-on investigation of the Quantum Magnetics laboratory prototype, room-temperature gradiometer for ordnance location

The SBIR Phase I room temperature gradiometer localizer produced by Quantum Magnetics was received and evaluated in late summer of 1997. While still based on IBM's innovative three-sensor gradiometer (TSG), its performance was greatly improved over the original IBM prototype that was evaluated and reported several years prior. This system shows great promise both as a land based ordnance localizer as well as an underwater mine locator for diver or Autonomous Underwater Vehicle applications. The locating software induced both Frahm-Wynn and the newer 'Magnetic and Acoustic Detection of Mines' algorithms, both of which were evaluated against a variety of ordnance type targets. The TSG configuration affords unprecedented dynamic range that enables detection of signals at the fluxgate sensor noise while the system is in motion in the earth's field. Evaluation of the prototype revealed the need for additional positional sensor to enable more precise balancing and localization. Auxiliary sensors investigated were differential Global Positioning System and accelerometers. Localization software incorporating these sensors is reported elsewhere.