Distributed network of optically pumped magnetometers for space weather monitoring

TL;DR

This paper presents a scalable, off-grid network of optically pumped quantum magnetometers for improved space weather monitoring, offering high sensitivity, stability, and independence from wired infrastructure.

Contribution

It introduces a novel off-grid quantum magnetometer node that enhances space weather observation capabilities with scalable, self-powered sensors.

Findings

Demonstrated successful deployment of off-grid magnetometer nodes.

Compared data from the new sensors with existing observatories.

Showed high sensitivity and stability suitable for space weather monitoring.

Abstract

Spatial variation in the intensity of magnetospheric and ionospheric fluctuation during solar storms creates ground-induced currents, of importance in both infrastructure engineering and geophysical science. This activity is currently measured using a network of ground-based magnetometers, typically consisting of extensive installations at established observatory sites. We show that this network can be enhanced by the addition of remote quantum magnetometers which combine high sensitivity with intrinsic calibration. These nodes utilize scalable hardware and run independently of wired communication and power networks. We demonstrate that optically pumped magnetometers, utilizing mass-produced and miniaturized components, offer a single scalable sensor with the sensitivity and stability required for space weather observation. We describe the development and deployment of an off-grid magnetic sensing node, powered by a solar panel, present observed data from periods of low and high geomagnetic activity, and compare it to existing geomagnetic observatories.