A Piezo-Actuated Optomechanical Magnetometer

This technology provides a highly sensitive, compact device designed for precise magnetic field measurements across a wide frequency range. By integrating photonic structures with magnetostrictive and piezoelectric thin films, the invention efficiently converts magnetic fields into detectable signals. One notable benefit is its adjustable piezoelectric actuation, allowing users to easily tune the device to optimal sensing conditions. This adaptability significantly improves accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability, making it ideal for applications requiring high precision in challenging environments.

Background: 
Accurately measuring magnetic fields is crucial for diverse applications ranging from scientific research to practical tasks such as mineral exploration and military asset detection. Existing magnetometer technologies struggle to balance compact size, broad operational bandwidth, and high sensitivity, typically sacrificing performance or increasing complexity and cost. Current solutions often cannot achieve the small dimensions needed (approximately 100 microns or less) while maintaining sensitivity in the picotesla range. This innovative magnetometer fills this technological gap, offering exceptional performance in a highly miniaturized, versatile, and cost-effective design.

Applications: 

• Physics and biological research
• Mineral exploration
• Detection of unexploded ordnance
• Military and security asset identification

Advantages: 

• Ultra-sensitive magnetic field detection (picotesla range)
• Compact, miniature size (~100 microns or smaller)
• Wide frequency measurement range (from near DC to MHz)
• Cost-effective and power-efficient
• Robust against environmental disturbances (temperature, laser fluctuations)
• Improved dynamic range through piezoelectric tuning
• Scalable array configurations for expanded applications