Object Composition Identification by Measurement of Local Radio Frequency Magnetic Fields with an Atomic Magnetometer

Abstract

Proof of principle of object composition identification based on inductive measurements with an atomic magnetometer has been demonstrated in highly engineered laboratory conditions. Progress in the development of portable miniaturised magnetometers has encouraged on the parallel development of the measurement technologies involving this sensor, in particular concepts that would enable operation in complex test scenarios. Here, we explore the problem of material identification in the context of measurements performed with variable distance between the object and the primary radio-frequency field source and sensor. We identify various aspects of the measurement affected by variable distance and discuss possible solutions, based on the signal phase analysis, a combination of frequency and angular signal dependencies and the implementation of a pair of excitation coils.

Keywords

• object surveillance
• magnetic induction tomography
• atomic magnetometer