A Quasi Absolute Optically Pumped Magnetometer for the Permanent Recording of the Earth's Magnetic Field Vector (OPC)

Abstract

Despite the advance of technology, the fully automatic recording of absolute magnetic field vector variation at observatories remains an elusive goal. Primary difficulties are the long term stability of sensor orientation and the stable operation of the sensor system. In standard practice, definitive data are produced through the combination of continuous operation of a variometer and the occasional absolute measurements that are used for calibration of the variometer data. A single, automatic instrument that can continuously acquire absolute vector measurements with 1-second resolution is desired. We introduce a device that will fulfil these requirements. Data are acquired using Serson's method: the ambient magnetic field is modulated by superposed fields. This method has been applied, mostly in connection with Proton magnetometers, for many years. In general it requires that the applied fields have a strength on the order of the Earth's magnetic field. But the sampling rate is limited for most existing systems. In contrast, our system only requires applied fields of about 5000nT, and the switching rate of polarities is 5Hz. This is possible because we use a fast self oscillating Csmagnetometer. The self oscillating Cs-magnetometer is calibrated by a Cs-He cell during times without additional fields (tandem-magnetometer).

Geomagnetic Observations for Main Field Studies: From Ground to Space

“…This instrument will fly on the three satellites of the ESA Swarm mission (to be launched in 2012), where its vector mode will be used as a back-up for the fluxgate instruments of the mission. Another vector instrument is described by Pulz et al (2009). It is a tandem magnetometer with a fast Cs sensor to track field changes with and without modulating fields, and a Cs-He sensor to calibrate the Cs signal when the modulating field is zero.…”