Project R-13922

Quantum Technology for Space Science (Research)

The proposed research profile aims at setting up a sustainable research cooperation between the Space Physics division at BIRA-IASB and the Quantum group at UHasselt in the field of quantum technology-based space instrumentation. Limitations of space science objectives and achievements are linked to the characteristics of the instrumentation (e.g. sensitivity, sampling frequency, mass, power, cost, accommodation constraints, etc.). The principle of quantum detection methodology offers an opportunity to develop new space instruments that will operate beyond the current stateof- the-art classical sensors, allowing carrying out unique measurements that will enable performing new science. In addition, quantum technology has the potential to reduce the cost, mass and complexity (e.g. post processing and calibration) of the instruments while providing improved performance. One of the focus of this cooperation will be diamond-based magnetometry. The quantum principles allow unprecedented sensitivity (theoretical value of 10 fT/sqrt(Hz) or below), can be temperature independent, provide offset free sensing and offer wide spectral analysis capabilities (from sub-Hz up to 20 GHz). UHasselt – IMOMEC has already developed and tested a first version of a quantum magnetometer that exploits the photoelectric detection of magnetic resonances of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in diamond, pioneered by UHasselt group. The first objective is to further develop this magnetometer to obtain a compact, fully integrated vector scanning magnetometer with a sensitivity better than 1 pT/sqrt (Hz) and a bandwidth of 10 kHz. Those characteristics, which are beyond those of state-of-the-art magnetometers, will allow doing new science such as studying space plasma turbulence at kinetic scale, analysing very fine structures in aurora and characterising low magnetic fields in exploration missions (around or on the Moon, comets, etc.). Once a sufficient TRL has been achieved, the goal is to produce a flight model for a given platform, as a technology demonstrator. The instrument could be operated either as a hosted payload on a third-party-operated S/C or on a dedicated platform (e.g. CubeSat). In combination with the Sweeping Langmuir Probe instrument (SLP) – developed at BIRA-IASB and currently operating on the Belgian CubeSat PICASSO – it could be used, for instance, for a space weather monitoring package and/or for studying aurora-related events in details, both fields where the Space Physics division at BIRA-IASB has strong interests and extensive experience. To benefit from the very high sensitivity of such sensors, it is of utmost importance to remove from the data the magnetic noise originating from the spacecraft (S/C) itself. To do so, a method to process the data of several magnetometers located inside and/or outside the S/C will be developed. Another objective of this cooperation is to develop a quantum electric charge sensor to accurately measure electrostatic charges impinging an electrode. This will be part of a multi-sensor instrument dedicated to the study of electrostatic dust transportation on airless bodies such as the Moon, comets or asteroids. In parallel to the above-mentioned activities, the BIRA-IASB and UHasselt teams will investigate the opportunities that quantum technology offers for developing new scientific instruments of interest for BIRA-IASB research activities (both space- and ground-based).

01 March 2023 - 28 February 2026