The OSCAR (Optical Sensors based on CARbon materials) project series focuses on the development of next-gen sensors based on carbon materials. More specifically, magnetic field sensors that are exploiting Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond and work on quantum principles. By going quantum, such a sensor can offer ultra high sensitivity (down to femtotesla), wide dynamic range (fT - T), fast response to changes in magnetic fields (~100ns), and stability in time and temperature.
With such a performance the sensors can be employed in various applications. Thanks to its wide dynamic range they can measure small fields in high field environment. This can be for example in the characterization of electromagnetic noise. In space this can be beneficial for space weather analysis and to counteract its negative impacts.
The project OSCAR-QUBE (QUantum BElgium), is the third part of the OSCAR project series. The OSCAR-BEXUS and OSCAR-QLITE experiments were flown in the framework of ESA (European Space Agency) stratospherical balloon program REXUS/BEXUS (Rocket/Balloon EXperiment for Univeristy Students). This time, however, we are aiming higher. ESA has opened a call in the framework of Orbit Your Thesis program - giving the possibility to fly scientific experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS). We are looking for students of UHasselt to join us on the journey to design, develop, assemble, test and fly the next iteration of our diamond magnetic field sensor.
What about the timeline? A detailed description of the the program schedule can be found here. The project span is about one and a half year, from December 2019 to July 2021. Are you in your final year? No problem, join us, we will find a solution.