MRI: Development of a SERF Atomic Magnetometer for Paleomagnetic Applications

这项主要研究仪器（MRI）计划资助了超灵敏（1 × 10-16 Am2）无自旋交换弛豫（SERF）原子磁强计的开发，该磁强计能够常规测量非常小的太古代耐火材料附属相（例如锆石）中记录的剩余磁矩的所有三种成分。如果开发完全成功，SERF磁力计将允许PI Tarduno，学生和合作者继续寻找地磁场诞生的矿物记录，使用一种比目前可用的SQUID传感器岩石磁力计测量灵敏度高3个数量级的技术。评估早期地球的地核形成和发电机活动的开始时间对限制地球的发展有影响？由于磁场保护地球免受强烈的宇宙辐射和太阳风的影响，地球上最早可能出现微生物生命。该开发将与美国一家名为Twinleaf的小公司合作，并将聘请一名研究生。* * *

1039846TardunoThis Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program grant supports development of an ultra-sensitive (1 x 10-16 Am2) spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) atomic magnetometer capable of routine measurement of all three components of the remanent magnetic moment recorded in very small Archean refractory accessory phases (e.g., zircons). Should the development prove fully successful, the SERF magnetometer will allow PI Tarduno, students and collaborators to continue the search for mineral recordation of the birth of the geomagnetic field using a technology that could have up to three orders of magnitude better measurement sensitivity than currently available SQUID sensor based rock magnetometers. Assessment of the timing of onset of core formation and dynamo activity on early Earth has implications for constraining the development of the Earth?s atmosphere and the earliest possible emergence of microbial life on Earth as the magnetic field shields the Earth from the intense cosmic radiation and the solar wind. The development will be done in collaboration with a small U.S. company, Twinleaf, and will engage a graduate student. ***