Electromagnetic induction imaging with a radio-frequency atomic magnetometer

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, scalable imaging device using a radio-frequency atomic magnetometer for magnetic induction tomography, capable of high-resolution imaging of conductive objects in unshielded environments.

Contribution

It presents a novel, portable imaging system that combines atomic magnetometers with magnetic induction tomography, enabling detailed conductivity mapping without background subtraction.

Findings

High-resolution shape reconstruction of conductive objects

Detection of sub-millimetric cracks and barriers

Operation in unshielded, room-temperature environments

Abstract

We report on a compact, tunable, and scalable to large arrays imaging device, based on a radio-frequency optically pumped atomic magnetometer operating in magnetic induction tomography modality. Imaging of conductive objects is performed at room temperature, in an unshielded environment and without background subtraction. Conductivity maps of target objects exhibit not only excellent performance in terms of shape reconstruction but also demonstrate detection of sub-millimetric cracks and penetration of conductive barriers. The results presented here demonstrate the potential of a future generation of imaging instruments, which combine magnetic induction tomography and the unmatched performance of atomic magnetometers.