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MSci Project Proposal Form 2010-2011
Project Code: SPAT-Carr-2
Project title: Magnetic Sensors for Space Science and Planetary Exploration
Supervisor: Chris Carr
Assessor: Patrick Brown
Telephone: Ex. 4 7765
Telephone: Ex. 4 7764
E-mail: c.m.carr
E-mail: p.brown
Research Group: SPAT
Research Group: SPAT
Project Summary:
Magnetometers are one of the most popular and productive instruments used in space and planetary
research since they are small, light, robust, and scientifically productive. We can use magnetic field
data for studies ranging from basic plasma physics in space through to probing the interior structure
of planets. Typically, the Space and Atmospheric Physics Group [1] has flown fluxgate type sensors
[2], however newer technologies are now being investigated. The Giant Magnetoimpedance effect
promises lower-noise measurements compared to a fluxgate, a smaller instrument and reduced power
consumption. All of these are ideal when flying the instrument on a spacecraft!
Your project will be on the general topic of GMI [3] and will have two main aims:
1. Advise on the best materials and sensor design for low-noise low-field measurements in the
space environment
2. Prototype a sensor and associated electronics for testing in the lab
You will have the chance to work alongside researchers developing instruments for flight on, for
example, ESA’s Solar Orbiter and BepiColombo spacecraft therefore there is significant experience to
draw on. Nevertheless, you would be expected to use your own initiative in pursuing this interesting
research topic
Experimental component:
Computational component:
Theoretical component:
50 %
0%
50 %
Is the MSci Project eligible for students on the MSci
Physics with Theoretical Physics Degree: NO
Are workshop facilities required: YES
Suggested reading (at least one relevant reference):
[1]: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/spat/research/areas/space_magnetometer_laboratory
[2]: Carr, C. M., Brown, P. et al., Annales Geophysicae, 23, 2713–2732, 2005
[3]: Phan, M.-H., Peng, H.-X., Progress in Materials Science, 53, 323-420, 2008
Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine