Chinese engineers have presented a new development — an unmanned aircraft system with a sensitive quantum magnetometer — a CPT sensor (Coherent Population Trapping). It is capable of “detecting” a magnetic field up to the picotesla level (10⁻¹² Tesla). The technology allows for the detection of magnetic anomalies, including submarine tracks, with high accuracy.
The CPT sensor operates on the quantum effect. It can be described in simple terms as follows. Under the influence of lasers, atoms are “locked” in a certain quantum state, which no longer absorbs light. This state is very sensitive to external magnetic fields. When the sensor enters a magnetic field, changes occur with the atoms, which can be recorded.
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The key feature of the system is the placement of the sensitive CPT sensor on the drone. Thanks to the suspension on a long cable, it is possible to eliminate electromagnetic interference from the aircraft itself. At the same time, the system remains mobile and autonomous. Traditional solutions usually use powerful magnetometers on airplanes or helicopters, and also require complex settings. They are bulky, expensive, and work worse in a complex magnetic environment. For example, near the equator, where magnetic “blind zones” are observed (areas with an unstable or weak geomagnetic background).
The Chinese development was tested off the coast of Weihai (Shandong Province). The drone with a CPT sensor attached to it on a 20-meter cable examined a square measuring 400 by 300 meters. The results of the experiment showed that the system is capable of recording very weak changes in the magnetic field. The coincidence of the results of two independent flights was 99.8%. This indicates the high stability of the device.
The project was implemented by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). According to the team leader Wang Xuefeng, the system can be used not only for military purposes, but also for civil reconnaissance. For example, when searching for underwater archaeological sites or mineral deposits.
In addition to the CPT sensor, the drone is equipped with a device for measuring the magnetic field (fluxgate magnetometer) for orientation correction. As well as a GPS system, the data from which is processed taking into account geomagnetic fluctuations and noise. This allows for the creation of highly accurate maps of magnetic anomalies in real time.
However, the developers admit that for the technology to be put into practice, it needs to be tested in more complex and variable environments. While Western analogues have already proven their reliability in the operational environment, the Chinese unmanned system is still in the field testing stage.
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