Three axis vector atomic magnetometer utilizing polarimetric technique

TL;DR

This paper presents a compact three-axis atomic magnetometer using polarimetric detection of elliptically polarized light interacting with atoms, suitable for space and biomedical applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel three-axis magnetic field measurement method based on a single light beam and polarimetric detection, enabling compactness and high dynamic range.

Findings

Achieved three-axis magnetic field measurement with a single elliptically polarized light beam.

Demonstrated potential for space and biomedical applications due to compact size and high sensitivity.

Utilized reflected signal for detection, allowing easy expansion to detector arrays.

Abstract

The three axis magnetic field measurement based on the interaction of a single elliptically polarized light beam with an atomic system is described. The magnetic field direction dependent atomic responses are extracted by the polarimetric detection in combination with laser frequency modulation and magnetic field modulation techniques. The magnetometer offers additional critical requirements like compact size and large dynamic range for space application. Further, the three axis magnetic field is measured using only reflected signal from the polarimeter, thus can be easily expanded to make spatial array of detectors or / and high sensitivity field gradient measurement as required for biomedical application.