This project focuses on developing innovative methods for remotely measuring magnetic fields. Funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), this work is driven by the goal of detecting magnetic fields from a distance. The technique involves using a laser to selectively ionize xenon atoms in the air, making them detectable by radar. The laser is precisely focused on a target location, tuned to the appropriate wavelength to interact with xenon, and pulsed so that the resulting time-dependent radar signal can be clearly distinguished from background noise. This method can be used to identify magnetic field anomalies by utilizing laser-induced magnetic spin polarization. Expertise in laser technology and optical spectroscopy is required to lead and advance this research.
This is a schematic figure of the experimental setup.
Publication: Abbasszadehrad, Amirhossein, Arthur Dogariu, and Richard B. Miles. “Coherent Control of Xe-136 within the Atomic Collision Window.” AIAA AVIATION FORUM AND ASCEND 2025. 2025.