Self-driven Hybrid Atomic Spin Oscillator

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a self-driven hybrid atomic spin oscillator using a vapor Rb-Xe system, achieving ultra-high frequency resolution and prolonged coherence, with potential applications in sensitive magnetic field detection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel self-driven hybrid atomic spin oscillator that significantly enhances coherence time and detection sensitivity in alkali metal-noble gas systems.

Findings

Achieved a frequency resolution of 13.1 nHz.

Prolonged effective coherence time beyond intrinsic limits.

Operates in continuous wave mode like a spin maser.

Abstract

A self-driven hybrid atomic spin oscillator is demonstrated in theory and experiment with a vapor Rb-Xe dual-spin system. The raw signal of Rb spin oscillation is amplified, phase-shifted and sent back to drive the Xe spins coherently. By fine tuning the driving field strength and phase, a self-sustaining spin oscillation signal with zero frequency shift is obtained. The effective coherence time is infinitely prolonged beyond the intrinsic coherence time of Xe spins, forming a hybrid atomic spin oscillator. Spectral analysis indicates that a frequency resolution of 13.1 nHz is achieved, enhancing the detection sensitivity for magnetic field. Allan deviation analysis shows that the spin oscillator can operate in continuous wave mode like a spin maser. The prototype spin oscillator can be easily implanted into other hybrid spin systems and enhance the detection sensitivity of alkali metal-noble gas comagnetometers.