Magnetometry

Magnetic fields inside objects can be detected using non-contact measurement from the outside, because unlike electric fields, magnetic fields are more pervasive. For measuring systems based on magnetic field sensors, this also proves to be an obstacle since all objects in our everyday environment generate magnetic fields (see Fig. 1). Therefore, it is important to control the magnetic environment of such a measuring system very carefully.

It is our aim to integrate high-resolution magnetic field measurements into our measuring systems. This will allow us to offer high-precision measurement of a wide range of observables that are relevant for industry. Systems developed at Fraunhofer IPM work mainly with optically pumped magnetometers (OPM). This sensor type has an extreme measuring sensitivity, which is only limited by quantum physical laws. Unlike many other quantum-based sensors, OPM do not require elaborate cooling. Through the intensive exchange with our partners in science and industry, we will transfer results from quantum research into marketable technologies.

Our measuring systems use commercially available individual sensors and intend to open up new application scenarios, especially in low field NMR and material testing.