MERIDIAN (Solid-State Multi-Modal Metrology Node)

Overview

**SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION** Solid-State Multi-Modal Metrology Node (Project MERIDIAN). **PRIMARY MISSION** To deliver GPS-independent absolute navigation and deep-penetration spatial intelligence by fusing nano-g gravimetry, quantum magnetometry, and atmospheric muon scattering into a single, high-yield foundry-manufactured node. **INDUSTRY CHALLENGE** Quantum and high-precision metrology systems—such as Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) diamond magnetometers and nano-g gravimeters—are traditionally confined to bespoke, climate-controlled laboratory environments. Scaling these sensitive architectures for tactical field deployment universally fails due to optical packaging drift, thermal instability, and the inability to maintain extreme vacuum environments at the micro-scale, rendering mass production physically and economically impossible. **HIGH-LEVEL SOLUTIONS** • **Wafer-Level Vacuum Packaging (WLVP):** Utilizes Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) wafers and Deep Reactive-Ion Etching (DRIE) to carve geometric anti-spring suspensions, which are then anodically bonded to borosilicate caps with Non-Evaporable Getters (NEG). This permanently locks in a high-vacuum environment to ensure the extreme Q-factor required for nano-g sensitivity. • **Silicon Optical Bench (SiOB) Alignment:** Abandons unstable injection-molded optical housings in favor of KOH wet-etched silicon V-grooves. This guarantees permanent, sub-micron passive alignment of the 532nm VCSEL pump, the NV-Diamond quantum chip, and the avalanche photodiode across extreme tactical temperature swings. • **Scintillation & Sensor Fusion:** Integrates light-tight Polyvinyl Toluene (PVT) muon scintillators and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) for deep-penetration atmospheric particle tracking, fusing gravity, magnetic, and muon data into an un-jammable Kalman filter vector. • **Foundry-Direct Translation:** Replaces hand-tuned assembly with a deterministic manufacturing flow utilizing existing 200mm/300mm CMOS semiconductor tooling, advanced photonic packaging, and standard Surface Mount Technology (SMT). **TARGET APPLICATIONS** • **GPS-Denied Navigation:** Absolute spatial positioning for submerged autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and subterranean drones without external RF signals. • **Subsurface Intelligence:** Un-jammable deep-earth bunker and tunnel detection via intersecting gravity and muon scattering anomalies. • **Passive Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW):** High-density, persistent magnetic anomaly detection networks leveraging picotesla quantum sensitivity. **PROJECTED PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES** • Gravimetric Sensitivity: Sub-nano-g resolution maintained via WLVP and high-Q mechanical isolation. • Magnetic Fidelity: Picotesla sensitivity achieved via room-temperature NV-center quantum defects and precise SiOB optical coupling. • Manufacturing Yield: >99% deterministic end-of-line yield enabled by automated, immutable testing gates (structural, quantum fidelity, and muon coincidence). **PARTNERSHIP & NDA-GATED TECHNICAL BRIEF** • **Development Status:** Preliminary Manufacturing Concept & Foundry Blueprinting. • **Collaboration Request:** Seeking semiconductor foundry partners, strategic defense investment, or co-development licensing. • **Notice:** Specific Bosch DRIE aspect ratios, getter activation thermodynamics, SiOB crystalline etch tolerances, and FPGA sensor-fusion algorithms are available only under NDA.

Technical Specifications

• DESIGNATION: TERRANEX MERIDIAN
• DEVELOPMENT STATUS: In Development
• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: Trade Secret / Foundry SOP
• TECHNICAL REVIEW: NDA Required
• PRIMARY FUNCTION: Un-jammable Absolute Navigation and Multi-Modal Metrology
• SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE: MEMS WLVP Gravimeter, SiOB NV-Diamond Magnetometer, and SiPM Muon Scintillator
• TECHNOLOGY CATEGORY: Quantum Sensing & Advanced Semiconductor Packaging
• CORE PLATFORM: Solid-State Multi-Modal Metrology Node
• INTEGRATION STRATEGY: 200mm/300mm Foundry Tooling and Automated SMT Assembly
• MANUFACTURING PATH: Bosch DRIE, Anodic Bonding, KOH Wet-Etching, and Ion Implantation
• SCALABILITY PROFILE: Deterministic high-volume manufacturing utilizing existing telecom and CMOS lines
• TARGET APPLICATIONS: GPS-Denied Navigation, Subterranean Mapping, ASW Anomaly Detection
• COMMERCIAL PATHWAY: Licensing / Acquisition / Co-Development
• PARTNERSHIP STATUS: Open
• INVESTMENT STATUS: Seeking Strategic Partners
• TECHNOLOGY READINESS: Preliminary Manufacturing Concept

Related Sector Programs & Research Directory

Explore all programs in TACTICAL & DEFENSE SYSTEMS

Browse all active programs in the TERRANEX Research Directory →