AIRBORN MAGNETIC SURVEY SYSTEM USING TWO OPTICAL MAGNETOMETERS ALTERNATELY SWITCHED TO ALIGN WITH THE FIELD DURING THE SURVEY

摘要

Apparatus for conducting airborne magnetic surveys along parallel paths in alternating opposite directions includes first and second magnetometer cells each containing an optically pumpable gas. The first and second cells are oriented at equal opposite angles from vertical, whereby one or the other of the cells is in alignment with the magnetic field to be measured in either opposite directions. A switch is provided to select one or the other of the cells, whichever is in alignment with the magnetic field to be measured, as the survey is conducted.