Magnetic Field and Magnetometry
Invisible, yet everywhere, the magnetic field plays a fundamental role in our daily lives and in the deepest layers of modern science and industry. From guiding a compass to mapping hidden flaws in advanced materials, magnetic fields are both a physical reality and a gateway to crucial information.
At Kwan-tek, we leverage quantum magnetometry to detect, map and analyse magnetic fields. Thanks to our expertise in NV center diamonds, we transform subtle magnetic phenomena into reliable, actionable data — helping industries push the limits of what can be inspected, secured, or controlled.
What is a magnetic field?
A magnetic field is an invisible field acting on charged particles or magnetic materials through a magnetic force. It can be generated by natural magnetic materials (like iron magnets), by the Earth’s core — which creates the planet’s magnetic poles — or by the movement of electric charges, such as in electrical circuits.
Physically, every magnetic field can be described using:
- Field lines, which illustrate the direction and strength of the field.
- Magnetic flux, which quantifies the total field passing through a given area.
- Magnetic moment, which describes the strength and orientation of a source.
Since ancient times, humans have used magnetic fields without fully understanding them — from early navigation with lodestones to modern electric motors. But only with the rise of electromagnetism and quantum physics did we gain the tools to measure and exploit magnetic fields with true precision.
The Earth’s magnetic field: a natural guide
The best-known example is Earth’s magnetic field. Generated by the movement of molten iron in the Earth’s outer core — a phenomenon called the geodynamo — it protects the planet from solar wind, stabilises navigation and shapes our technological infrastructure.
The classic compass, with its needle pointing north, remains a simple yet powerful demonstration of magnetism at work. But beyond navigation, understanding Earth’s magnetic field helps scientists monitor climate change, plate tectonics, and even core dynamics deep underground.
What is magnetometry?
Magnetometry is the science and practice of measuring magnetic fields. While the idea seems simple, capturing accurate, high-resolution magnetic data is complex — especially when the fields are weak, changing rapidly, or buried under noise.
At its core, magnetometry involves:
- Measuring the intensity and direction of magnetic fields.
- Mapping its variations over time or space.
- Identifying anomalies that reveal hidden structures, defects or properties.
Depending on the method and sensor used, magnetometry can analyse the Earth’s large-scale field, the subtle magnetic signal from metal fatigue, or the local field created by electrical circuits.
Real-world examples of magnetometry
Magnetometry underpins countless applications, including:
- Geophysics & navigation: mapping the Earth’s magnetic field to guide ships, aircraft, and satellites.
- Biomedical imaging: monitoring brain activity by detecting the tiny magnetic fields generated by neural currents — a technique called magnetoencephalography (MEG).
- Industrial inspection: identifying cracks, stress points or corrosion in metal structures by measuring local magnetic disturbances.
- Electronics testing: verifying that circuits carry current as intended, detecting hidden faults without invasive testing.
Why quantum magnetometry changes the game
Traditional magnetometers — like fluxgate sensors or Hall effect devices — have limitations. They can measure macroscopic fields well but struggle with extreme sensitivity or stability, especially in harsh conditions.
Quantum magnetometry, however, opens new frontiers. By exploiting the quantum properties of specific atomic systems — like NV centers in diamonds — these sensors can detect tiny variations in magnetic fields with nanoscale precision.
Here’s how it works at KWAN-TEK :
- Our NV center diamonds contain atomic-scale defects that respond to local magnetic fields.
- When excited by laser light and microwave radiation, these centers emit a light signal (photoluminescence).
- The characteristics of this light reemission depends on the surrounding magnetic environment.
- Our advanced optical readout converts these characteristics into precise magnetic field data.
This means:
Extreme sensitivity — even the weakest fields become measurable.
Non-invasive measurement — data can be captured through coatings, insulation or layers of material.
Stability and repeatability — quantum states don’t drift like conventional magnetic probes.
KWAN-TEK’s quantum magnetometry is trusted by sectors where understanding local magnetic variations means the difference between safe operations and hidden risks.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Mapping hidden stress, cracks or corrosion in aircraft fuselages, pipelines or critical metal parts — all without dismantling or damaging them.
Navigation & Detection
Enabling robust magnetic navigation where GNSS is unavailable — such as underground, underwater or in defence applications.
Research & Metrology
Supporting research labs and national standards institutes in developing ultra-stable magnetic references or performing precision calibrations.
How our quantum magnetometers integrate
KWAN-TEK’s quantum magnetometers are designed for flexibility:
- Portable probes for on-site inspections.
- Embedded systems for real-time monitoring in automated lines.
- Custom modules for integration into research setups or educational platforms.
Whether you need to map corrosion hotspots inside a refinery pipe or verify material properties in a lab, our quantum magnetometers deliver stable, actionable data in the most demanding environments.
Linking to our core technologies
Our work in magnetic field measurement is deeply connected to other Kwan-tek expertise:
NV Center Diamonds
the unique quantum defect combining solid state integrability with quantum measurement properties.
Quantum Sensors
the wider family of quantum-enabled instruments that go beyond magnetometry.
Quantum Metrology
the science of using quantum effects to set measurement standards.
Ready to push the limits of measurement?
Magnetic fields reveal hidden truths — if you have the right tools to read them. With KWAN-TEK’s quantum magnetometry, you gain a powerful ally for inspecting, analysing and safeguarding your assets.
Contact our team to discuss your measurement challenges and discover how quantum sensing can unlock new insights for your industry.
KWAN-TEK — making the invisible measurable, with quantum precision.