All-optical isotropic scalar 4He magnetometer based on atomic alignment

Abstract

We propose a helium scalar magnetometer based on a triple resonance setup, showing no dead angles, and which can be implemented in an all-optical way. This triple-resonance scheme involves optical pumping with amplitude-modulated light, complemented by a modulated light-shift. Both light beams propagate parallel so that a single optical access to the atomic cell is needed. Experimental results are in good agreement with our theoretical model. The main error sources affecting the magnetometer accuracy are discussed.

Precision Magnetometers for Aerospace Applications: A Review

“…Helium magnetometers [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ] are often used as secondary magnetometers for calibration of FGMs, which are susceptible to long-term drift. Typically V/SHMs have lower size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements than FGMs.…”

“…A radio frequency (RF) source is used to drive the transition between the Zeeman sub-levels, the resonant frequency of which is determined by the background magnetic field through the relationship , where is the gyromagnetic ratio GHz/T. The amplitude of the resonance signal can be amplified using a population stirring technique where atoms are selectively pumped from metastable Zeeman sub-levels to the P state and subsequently decay back to the metastable state for increased interaction with the incident RF field [ 38 ].…”

“…As expected, heritage devices (fluxgates, helium magnetometers, proton precession magnetometers, etc. [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 62 , 63 ]) have very good sensitivity, enabling use in many areas, but they tend to be relatively large. Chip-scale electronic devices (AMR/GMR, MEMS, etc.…”

“… Sensitivities for available and emerging magnetometers. The colored regions indicate typical parameter regimes for each category of device, with icons showing representative examples from the scientific literature (heritage [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 62 , 63 ]; chip-scale electronic [ 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 185 , 186 , 187 , 188 , 189 , 190 ]; optomechanical [ 20 , 131 , 144 , 145 , 149 ]; nitrogen–vacancy [ 19 , 132 , 169 , 170 , 171 , 172 , 173 , 174 , 175 ]; atomic vapor cell [ 130 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , 137 , 191 ]; SERF [ 192 , 193 , 194 , 195 , 196 , 197 , 198 , 199 , …”

Precision Magnetometers for Aerospace Applications

“…Helium magnetometers [34][35][36][37][38] are often used as secondary magnetometers for calibration of FGMs, which are susceptible to long-term drift. Typically V/SHMs have lower size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements than FGMs.…”