The main objective of this technical group is to develop field-deployable prototypes of hybrid magnetometers and sensors, for measurement of absolute values of ambient fields and detection of fine anomalies with sensitivities far beyond the state-of-the-art parameters. It aims to integrate a range of sensing platforms for development of a cascaded sensing scheme that can operate over nine decades of precision. This includes developing sensor control and network training algorithms along with visualization software, all in compact and robust packaging for operation in ambient conditions.
The group also focuses on continuous evaluation of device performance through sophisticated field testing and close collaboration with partners in strategic and medical applications. It further explores new schemes for quantum-enhanced metrology, leveraging many-body physics to improve sensitivity, scalability, and real-world reliability.
Member Principal Investigators (MPIs)
Objectives
Applications
The Atomic Magnetometry Technical Group is developing hybrid magnetometers that combine multiple sensing platforms and control algorithms to achieve precision over nine decades. The group’s research links advanced quantum sensing principles with real-world applications in geophysics, navigation, biomedical diagnostics, and national security.
Industry Targets
Exploration and Energy
Oil, gas, and mineral exploration firms
Aerospace & Navigation
Defense R&D organizations, avionics companies
Healthcare & Biomedical
Hospitals, neuro-imaging, and cardiac sensor developers
Defense & Strategic Labs
DRDO, ISRO, BARC, and national security establishments
Research & Metrology
Calibration and national standards institutions
Goals
Short-Term (1–3 years)
- Design and test prototype hybrid magnetometers in laboratory environments.
- Develop initial versions of sensor control algorithms and visualization tools.
- Begin collaboration with strategic and medical research partners.
Mid-Term (3–6 years)
- Field-deploy magnetometers for geophysical exploration and biomedical sensing.
- Optimize robust packaging and reliability under real-world conditions.
- Establish benchmarking protocols for quantum magnetometers in India.
Long-Term (6–10 years)
- Scale production of portable and hybrid magnetometry systems.
- Integrate AI-assisted cascaded sensing for adaptive, self-calibrating systems.
- Build India’s leadership in quantum-enhanced magnetometry and navigation.
Short-Term (1–3 years)
Mid-Term (3–6 years)
Long-Term (6–10 years)
Build prototypes of NV microscopes; establish diamond fabrication/testing infrastructure.
Create portable NV sensors; set national benchmarks; enable industry transfer.
Scale production of diamond sensors; position India as a global leader in NV-based sensing.
Opportunities
Socio-Economic / National Impact
- Strengthen India’s geophysical and energy exploration capabilities.
- Enable independent navigation through GPS-free magnetometric systems.
- Advance non-invasive biomedical diagnostics for public health.
- Enhance national security through precision anomaly detection.
- Contribute to India’s long-term goal of technological sovereignty in quantum sensing.