Application study of UAV aeromagnetic measurement based on rubidium optical pump magnetometer

The Optical Pump Magnetometer is an instrument for measuring magnetic field strength that capitalizes on the atomic optical pumping effect and magnetic resonance principles. Widely recognized for its high precision, stability, and low noise characteristics, it has become a prominent focus in both domestic and international research on precision magnetic field measurement technology. This paper elucidates the operational principles of the Mz-type rubidium optical pump magnetometer, autonomously developed by the Quantum Precision Measurement Team at Zhejiang University of Technology. Subsequently, the inaugural flight test utilizing this magnetic sensor integrated into an unmanned aircraft aeromagnetic system was conducted. An external conformity assessment was performed, comparing it with a rubidium optical pump magnetometer manufactured by QuSpin, yielding results within the range of 0.74-1.24 nT. This outcome signifies that the sensor has achieved a level of performance comparable to mature commercial instruments. There is an optimistic anticipation for its broader applications in the realm of geophysical exploration in the future.