Public Funding for Altarange Ltd

High-resolution, three-dimensional magnetometers are critical to support a range of inertial navigation systems independent to GNSS (global satellite navigation systems). These systems have a vast range of applications in environments where conventional GNSS signals are not accessible, having application in aspects such as collision avoidance, particularly in challenging environments, including under-water and in space. The ability to perform high resolution magnetometry has the potential to map faults in underground cables with a higher resolution than conventional technology. Quantum enhanced magnetometry has been demonstrated at a laboratory level using defects in wide bandgap semiconductors, such as diamond and silicon carbide, however these systems are physically large, fragile and require highly trained operators. Whilst the sensitivity of this technique has been demonstrated in the sub nT regime, a typical system is of the order of a cubic meter (1000 litre volume) and requires significant complex instrumentation. For the full potential of these magnetometers to be realised, it is necessary for fully engineered solutions to be realised that enable the miniaturisation and enhanced functionality. The proposed project is to develop the world leading magnetometer research undertaken at Durham and Heriot Watt universities and demonstrate the first fully integrated three-dimensional quantum magnetometer that can fit within a 20 litre volume. The first phase of the project is to determine the integration of a magnetometer manufactured from defects in silicon carbide using a scalable and manufacturable process. This will involve the: * Identification of enhanced sensitivity detectors through optimisation of the defect creation process (led by Durham) * Determining the sensitivity to rotation in the earth's magnetic field (led by Heriot Watt) * Integration with low noise electronics to form a compass (led by Nascent Semiconductor) The outcome from the first phase will inform the experimental demonstration of a TRL 6 system at the conclusion of Phase 2\. The final system will then be integrated in a flight ready chassis to enable the mapping of the earths magnetic field in real time during a rocketry trial, led by AltaRange. AltaRange will also lead the development of a business case beyond the project and establish links to commercial and defence related companies. Access to the final demonstrator will be made available to interested companies under NDA for assessment in their dedicated test facilities.

High-resolution, three-dimensional magnetometers are critical to support a range of applications. Quantum enhanced magnetometry has been demonstrated at a laboratory level using defects in wide bandgap semiconductors, such as diamond and silicon carbide, however these systems are physically large, fragile and require highly trained operators. Whilst the sensitivity of this technique has been demonstrated in the sub nT regime, a typical system is of the order of a cubic meter (1000 litre volume) and requires significant complex instrumentation. For the full potential of these magnetometers to be realised, it is necessary for fully engineered solutions to be realised that enable the miniaturisation and enhanced functionality. The proposed project is to develop the world leading magnetometer research undertaken at Durham and Heriot Watt universities and demonstrate the first fully integrated three-dimensional quantum magnetometer that can fit within a 20 litre volume. The first phase of the project is to determine the integration of a magnetometer manufactured from defects in silicon carbide using a scalable and manufacturable process. This will involve the: * Identification of enhanced sensitivity detectors through optimisation of the defect creation process (led by Durham) * Determining the sensitivity to rotation in the earth's magnetic field (led by Heriot Watt) * Integration with low noise electronics to form a compass (led by Nascent Semiconductor) The outcome from the first phase will inform the experimental demonstration of a TRL 6 system at the conclusion of Phase 2\. The final system will then be integrated in a subaquatic vehicle and will be able to demonstrate detection of underwater magnetic items led by AltaRange. AltaRange will also lead the development of a business case beyond the project and establish links to commercial and defence related companies. Access to the final demonstrator will be made available to interested companies under NDA for assessment in their dedicated test facilities.