The QuSpin Total-Field Magnetometer (QTFM) is a compact, high-sensitivity atomic magnetometer combining scalar total-field and three-axis vector measurements. Its accuracy, stability, low power, and small form factor make it ideal for applications ranging from magnetic observatories to mobile platforms such as UAVs.
Scalar atomic magnetometers have been used in geophysical surveying for decades, but high-performance instruments were traditionally large, power-intensive, and difficult to deploy on small platforms.
The QTFM Gen‑2 combines very high scalar sensitivity with high bandwidth and a small dead zone, while substantially reducing size, weight, and power consumption.
The compact sensor head and electronics can be integrated into walking systems, vehicles, small unmanned aircraft, fixed stations, and custom research instruments—bringing high-performance total-field measurements to platforms that could not support previous generations of atomic magnetometers.
Specifications may vary by sensor version, firmware, vector option, and supplied interface hardware. Confirm requirements for specialized integrations with QuSpin.
Derived three-axis vector outputs
Optional add-on providing integrated, stable, low-noise vector outputs, synthetically derived from the scalar measurement.1
Flat spectral response
No frequency-dependent response roll-off across the measurement band.
Customizable digital filters
Built-in low-pass, high-pass, and notch filters, configurable in firmware.
Precise multisensor synchronization
Multiple sensors synchronize precisely for gradiometer configurations.
Negligible dead zones
A single small axial dead zone, the smallest of its kind in the industry.
No slew rate limitations
Tolerates extremely magnetically noisy environments without losing lock.
High-resolution frequency counter
Built-in counter for precision determination of the precession frequency.
1 Vector outputs are synthetically derived from scalar measurements by applying bias fields in interleaved measurement cycles.
Vector mode operationThe intrinsic sensitivity of a magnetometer is only one factor in field performance. Measurements from drones, vehicles, and walking platforms can also include environmental noise, platform-generated magnetic fields, motion effects, heading error, and positioning uncertainty. The figures below show representative sensor performance under controlled conditions.
Each standalone QTFM Gen‑2 is supplied as a sensor and electronics package suitable for laboratory evaluation and integration into a larger measurement system.
The Standard Comms Board provides USB communication and power connectivity for setup and laboratory operation.
Vector attachment, Advanced Comms Board, rugged packaging, GPS, and battery hardware are separate options.
The QTFM enables precise magnetic measurements for airborne, mobile, and fixed installations.
Detection of submarines, unexploded ordnance, buried infrastructure, archaeological features, and other magnetic targets.
High-resolution magnetic surveying from compact, weight-constrained unmanned aircraft.
Mapping geological structures, mineralization, and subsurface magnetic contrasts.
Measurement and mapping of magnetic fields around transmission and distribution lines.
Collection of scalar magnetic maps for localization, navigation, and field research.
Base-station measurements, observatory monitoring, and characterization of magnetic fields generated by vehicles and electronics.
The sensor, ECU, communication interface, and programmable measurement platform needed for laboratory use and custom system integration.
Best suited for
Magpie combines the QTFM with the hardware required for a compact field instrument: positioning, timing, data logging, inertial sensing, onboard storage, wireless communication, and portable power support.
Best suited for
Per sensor, US dollars.
Additional QTFM documentation from the previous site — quick reference, configuration, zero-crossing setup, vector-coil calibration, IMU data, serial data format, synchronization, firmware update, and reoptimization — is being migrated and will be grouped here.