Y-Stator Vibrating Magnet Antenna

A vibrating magnet antenna shows promise as an efficient, compact source for ultralow frequency (ULF) electromagnetic waves. ULF signals are able to penetrate through earthen materials, making this regime desirable for subterranean communication and detection of subterranean features. Oscillating a permanent magnet back and forth across a novel soft-magnet Y-stator projects a switching magnetic field capable of kilohertz frequencies. Arrays with multiple oscillators are favored due to energy scaling and parasitic losses. The permeability of magnetic circuits can be adjusted to change the potential energy of the magneto-mechanical oscillator, altering the natural frequency of vibration for frequency modulation. This article presents a theoretical justification of the Y-stator design, a simulation study performed using COMSOL Multiphysics Modeling Software, and preliminary laboratory results.