Open AccessHigh-sensitivity operation of a single-beam atomic magnetometer for three-axis magnetic field measurement
Author(s) -
Junjian Tang,
Yueyang Zhai,
Cao Li,
Yaohua Zhang,
Lin Li,
Binbin Zhao,
Binquan Zhou,
Bangcheng Han,
Gang Liu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.425851
Subject(s) - magnetometer , optics , magnetic field , physics , elliptical polarization , sensitivity (control systems) , beam (structure) , magnet , nuclear magnetic resonance , linear polarization , laser , quantum mechanics , electronic engineering , engineering
We demonstrate a single-beam atomic magnetometer (AM) capable of measuring a three-axis magnetic field with high-sensitivity, achieved by applying a small DC offset field and a high frequency modulation field. To satisfy the miniaturization demand of AMs, an elliptically polarized light detuned by 50 GHz from the resonance transition center is employed. The circularly polarized component is used to polarize the alkali-metal atoms, while the linearly polarized light is used to detect the dynamics of the polarized spin under a magnetic field. Based on theoretical analysis, parameters that significantly affect the performance are optimized, and a sensitivity of 20 fT/Hz 1/2 in x-axis, 25 fT/Hz 1/2 in y-axis, 30 fT/Hz 1/2 in z-axis is achieved with a miniature 4 × 4 × 4 mm 87 Rb vapor cell. Moreover, we also verify that the operation principle of AMs can be used to null background magnetic fields in-situ with isotropic compensation resolution of 6.7 pT, which provides an effectively precise method for zeroing ambient magnetic field. The high-sensitivity operating of an elliptically-polarized-laser-based magnetometer provides prospective futures for constructing a compact, low-cost AM, which is particularly applicable for non-invasive bio-magnetic imaging such as array-based magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetocardiography (MCG).