Quantum-enabled Magnetic Induction Tomography for Geophysical Surveys

The project involves the design, construction, testing and optimisation of a quantum-enabled portable Magnetic Inductance Tomography (MIT) sensor system for mapping ground conductivity with higher performance than classical instruments.

In MIT, alternating current is sent through an array of conductor networks that induce eddy currents in the ground. Highly sensitivity magnetometers are used to detect the magnetic field produced by the eddy currents. The recorded data, i.e., measurements of the in-phase and out-of-phase magnetic field, are converted into information about the ground conductivity and magnetic susceptibility and further, via petrophysical relationships, into geological and geotechnical parameters.

The project will involve collaboration with British Geological Survey to achieve the following objectives:

- To develop a new electromagnetic excitation coil system.
- To design a new magnetic field measurement system.
- To optimise layout of the magnetic field sensors for geophysical survey.