Atomic magnetometry with maximally polarized states

A new magnetometry method based on electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) with maximally polarized states is demonstrated. An EIT hyperfine resonance, comprising the m(F)=F state (end-state), is observed at a non-zero angle between the laser beam and the magnetic field. The method takes advantage of the process of end-state pumping, a well-known rival of simpler EIT magnetometry schemes, and therefore benefits at a high laser power. An experimental demonstration and a numerical analysis of the magnetometry method are presented. The analysis points on a clear sensitivity advantage of the end-state EIT magnetometer.