Partial measurements of the total field gradient and the field gradient tensor using an atomic magnetic gradiometer

TL;DR

This paper introduces an atomic magnetic gradiometer capable of measuring both the total field gradient and the field gradient tensor using two atomic ensembles, expanding the capabilities of atomic magnetic sensing.

Contribution

The work develops a novel atomic magnetic gradiometer that can measure both types of field gradient observables, which was not previously achieved with atomic sensors.

Findings

Successfully measured the total field gradient.

Demonstrated measurement of the field gradient tensor.

Operates in versatile modes for different applications.

Abstract

Magnetic gradiometers have wide practical and academic applications, and two important types of field gradient observables are the total field gradient and field gradient tensor. However, measurements of the field gradient tensor have not been the focus of previous researches on atomic magnetic gradiometers. In this work, we develop an atomic magnetic gradiometer based on two separately optically pumped atomic ensembles in a Herriott-cavity-assisted atomic cell. This gradiometer shows versatile operation modes and functions, and we demonstrate them in measurements of both types of field gradient observables.