Scalar and Vector Airborne Platform Calibration Using Quantum and Classical Magnetometers and Inertial Sensors

Abstract

Airborne magnetometry requires rigorous calibration to isolate geomagnetic signals from sensor errors and platform magnetic fields. This magnetic compensation is needed for applications like geophysical exploration and magnetic anomaly navigation. The standard approach utilizes a quantum scalar Optically Pumped Magnetometer (OPM) and a less sensitive fluxgate vector sensor for attitude information. This configuration typically results in a scalar approximation of the platform field. Advancements in high-sensitivity Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) vector magnetometers now enable a re-evaluation of the standard hardware configuration and full vector calibration models. We show through rigorous theoretical analysis that scalar calibration models are robust to misalignment. Vector calibration models, however, are intrinsically first-order sensitive to attitude errors, irrespective of the accuracy of the magnetic field measurements. These errors arise from inaccurate representation of the background field direction in the body frame, and can amplify small orientation errors into noticeable calibration residuals. Using realistic sensor models and flight trajectories, we evaluate different sensor configurations for magnetic calibration and assess the use of onboard Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) as an independent attitude reference to enable stable compensation. Our results suggest that quantum vector magnetometers like NV sensors are not sufficient to solve the attitude bottleneck for airborne vector magnetic calibration. However, as a single sensor capable of providing both absolute field and directional measurements, they may offer benefits regarding sensor placement, synchronization, and scalar calibration accuracy.