MAÅGM, write a new chapter in rotational seismology instrumentation
Frédéric Guattari1, Hippolyte Dupont1, Olivier Robert12, Chaymae Laazibi1, Hugo Hajaali13, Arnaud Gaillot1, Damien Ponceau1, Paul-Eric Pottie14, Hervé Lefèvre1, Hervé Arditty1

1 MAÅGM, Le Mans, France
2 Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP) , Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
3 Datarequest, Paris, France
4 Laboratoire Temps Espace, Paris, France

MAÅGM was established to build upon the groundbreaking work of blueSeis, addressing the increasing demand for high-performance rotational seismology instruments. While blueSeis demonstrated the potential of fiber-optic gyroscopes (FOGs) for seismic applications, MAÅGM aims to advance this technology further, focusing on enhanced sensitivity while maintaining field deployability. Our mission is to deliver an industrial instrument capable of achieving a sensitivity of 10⁻¹⁰ rad/s/√Hz, unlocking the full potential of rotational seismology.

MAÅGM brings together a team of experts in optics, mechanics, and precision instrumentation, all sharing the goal of translating laboratory-grade performance into rugged, portable, and scalable field instruments. The company was structured to facilitate innovation at the intersection of academic research and industrial development, ensuring that the next generation of rotational seismometers is informed by cutting-edge scientific insights and driven by the expertise of skilled geoscience professionals.

This presentation will outline MAÅGM’s ongoing efforts to develop a commercially viable, portable rotational seismometer for the scientific community. The primary challenges are:

  •  Achieving state-of-the-art sensitivity while ensuring long-term stability in field conditions.
  •  Optimizing system usability for seamless integration into seismic networks.

To mitigate risks associated with these ambitious goals, MAÅGM is developing two candidate technologies, each with unique advantages but both targeting the 10⁻¹⁰ rad/s/√Hz performance threshold at 0.1 Hz. The talk will detail our development strategy, validation steps, and roadmap towards delivering the first deployable instrument that meets these specifications.

Beyond performance, ease of deployment and remote operation are crucial for widespread adoption. Therefore, MAÅGM is also developing:

  • The NJORD product line, offering True North station orientation solutions, including Laser Line Kits, optical gyrocompasses from Exail, and Dual Antenna True North systems.
  • The LOKI technology, enabling remote (>10km) and real-time optical readout of electronic-less sensors with moving parts at their core.

By addressing both sensor performance and field usability, MAÅGM aims to bridge the gap between experimental prototypes and widespread field deployment.