Agni-V takes off during a DRDO trial to validate MIRV capabilities

The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Young Scientists’ Laboratory for Quantum Technology (DYSL-QT) has entered into collaboration with the TATA Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Hyderabad to develop an ultra-sensitive atomic magnetometer, Alpha Defense reported.

This project is aimed at achieving femto-Tesla scale magnetic field detection, a level of precision that would mark a significant leap forward in quantum sensing capabilities for both advanced defence and geophysical applications.

The project seeks to upgrade sensitivity from the currently demonstrated room-temperature pico-Tesla scale in the 1–50 kHz range down to the femto-Tesla domain. This enhancement in sensitivity will allow detection of extremely weak magnetic fields, enabling applications in strategic defence systems where stealth and precision are paramount, as well as in geophysical mapping where subtle variations in the Earth’s magnetic field can reveal hidden structures and resources.

The magnetometer under development is designed to function as a dual DC/AC system, making it versatile for multiple operational environments. In defence, such a system could be deployed for submarine detection, navigation in GPS-denied environments, and surveillance of concealed metallic objects. In geophysics, it could be used for mineral exploration, archaeological surveys, and monitoring tectonic activity with unprecedented accuracy.

The core technology driving this initiative is based on optically pumped atomic vapours combined with laser diagnostics. By exploiting quantum states of atoms, the system can measure minute magnetic variations with extraordinary precision.

Optically pumped magnetometers operate by aligning atomic spins using laser light and then detecting their precession in response to external magnetic fields. This quantum-level interaction provides the foundation for ultra-sensitive detection, far surpassing conventional magnetometers.

The collaboration between DYSL-QT and TIFR Hyderabad represents a strategic effort to harness indigenous expertise in quantum technologies. TIFR brings deep academic and experimental knowledge in atomic physics and quantum optics, while DYSL-QT contributes defence-oriented research and application-driven development. Together, they aim to deliver a prototype that can be integrated into India’s defence and scientific infrastructure in the near future.

This project also aligns with India’s broader National Quantum Mission, where DRDO plays a pivotal role in advancing sovereign quantum technologies.

The femto-Tesla magnetometer initiative complements other ongoing efforts in quantum communication, quantum gyroscopes, and atomic clocks, reinforcing India’s ambition to establish leadership in next-generation quantum sensing and secure systems.

The successful development of this magnetometer will not only strengthen India’s defence capabilities but also open new frontiers in scientific exploration. By bridging fundamental research with applied defence technology, DYSL-QT and TIFR Hyderabad are laying the groundwork for innovations that will have far-reaching impact across multiple domains.

Agencies