Swarm Absolute Scalar and Vector Magnetometer Based on Helium 4 Optical Pumping

Abstract

The CEA-LETI has successfully designed and realized an optically pumped 4He magnetometer which provides absolute scalar magnetic field measurements with a 1 pT/√Hz resolution over a DC to 100 Hz bandwidth. Its final corrected scalar accuracy has been demonstrated to be better than 50 pT. The ASM instrument is also able to provide vector field measurements with an intrinsic 1 nT/√Hz resolution and a 0.4 Hz bandwidth. All ASM components have now been successfully qualified with respect to the environment and performances specifications of the SWARM mission and the different ASM flight models are currently being manufactured and will be available for the SWARM satellites integration in 2010.