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Photonics
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Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application
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Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2024) | Viewed by 9177

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jixi Lu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Associate Professor, School of Instrumentation and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
Interests: atomic magnetometer; magnetic coil; magnetic shield
Dr. Yao Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Assistant Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Interests: intersection of quantum sensing and MEMS technology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are a class of atomic devices that rely on the measurement of the Larmor precession of atoms' spin in the magnetic field. They need the specific frequency light to complete the pumping and detection process. OPMs operating in zero-field can realize the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) regime, thereby promoting a substantial increase in sensitivity, which has developed rapidly in recent years. At present, miniaturized atomic magnetometers have been developed, and have been gradually widely used in magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetocardiography (MCG), becoming an international research hotspot. There are a large number of groups engaged in the research of relevant mechanisms, devices, technologies and applications. More importantly, supported by MEMS technology and micro/nano optics, OPMs have the potential to move toward chip-scale sensors. This Special Issue is expected to advance OPMs and address related scientific and technological problems common to atomic magnetometers.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to: Novel principles and technology for OPMs; Advanced manufacturing and integration technologies; Effective means in low-noise magnetic fields; Research and design of core components of OPMs; Applications of OPMs in advanced fields.

Dr. Jixi Lu
Dr. Yao Chen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • optically pumped magnetometer
  • atomic devices
  • optical magnetometry
  • optical pumping
  • magnetic field detection
  • low-noise magnetic field

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 987 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Study on Performing Movement-Related MEG with 83Kr-Based Atomic Comagnetometer
by Yao Chen, Ruyang Guo, Jiyang Wang, Mingzhi Yu, Man Zhao and Libo Zhao
Photonics 2023, 10(12), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10121302 - 24 Nov 2023
Viewed by 805
Abstract
A K–Rb–83Kr-based atomic comagnetometer for performing movement-related Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is theoretically studied in this paper. Parameters such as the spin-exchange rates, the spin-dephasing rates and the polarization of the nuclear spins are studied to configure the comagnetometer. The results show that [...] Read more.
A K–Rb–83Kr-based atomic comagnetometer for performing movement-related Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is theoretically studied in this paper. Parameters such as the spin-exchange rates, the spin-dephasing rates and the polarization of the nuclear spins are studied to configure the comagnetometer. The results show that the nuclear spin can generate a magnetic field of around 700 nT, at which the nuclear spin can compensate for a wide range of magnetic fields. In this paper, we also show the fabrication process for hybrid optical-pumping vapor cells, whereby alkali metals are mixed in a glove box that is then connected to the alkali vapor-cell fabrication system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application)
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11 pages, 2836 KiB  
Article
Laser Heating Method for an Alkali Metal Atomic Cell with Heat Transfer Enhancement
by Yang Li, Guoqing Zhou, Shencheng Tian, Xuejing Liu, Xiangmei Dong and Xiumin Gao
Photonics 2023, 10(6), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10060637 - 01 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1227
Abstract
Alkali metal atomic cells are crucial components of atomic instruments, such as atomic magnetometers, atomic gyroscopes, and atomic clocks. A highly uniform and stable heating structure can ensure the stability of the alkali metal atom density. The vapor cell of an atomic magnetometer [...] Read more.
Alkali metal atomic cells are crucial components of atomic instruments, such as atomic magnetometers, atomic gyroscopes, and atomic clocks. A highly uniform and stable heating structure can ensure the stability of the alkali metal atom density. The vapor cell of an atomic magnetometer that uses laser heating has no magnetic field interference and ease of miniaturization, making it superior to hot air heating and AC electric heating. However, the current laser heating structure suffers from low heating efficiency and uneven temperature distribution inside the vapor cell. In this paper, we designed a non-magnetic heating structure based on the laser heating principle. We studied the temperature distribution of the heating structure using the finite element method (FEM) and analyzed the conversion and transfer of laser energy. We found that the heat conduction between the vapor cell and the heating chips (colored filters) is poor, resulting in uneven temperature distribution and low heating efficiency in the vapor cell. Therefore, the addition of graphite film to the four surfaces of the vapor cell was an important improvement. This addition helped to balance the temperature distribution and improve the conduction efficiency of the heating structure. It was measured that the power of the heating laser remained unchanged. After the addition of the graphite film, the temperature difference coefficient (CVT) used to evaluate the internal temperature uniformity of the vapor cell was reduced from 0.1308 to 0.0426. This research paper is crucial for improving the heating efficiency of the non-magnetic heating structure and the temperature uniformity of the vapor cell. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application)
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12 pages, 3335 KiB  
Article
Internal Dynamic Temperature Measurement of Alkali Metal Vapor Cell by Kalman Filter
by Yang Li, Shencheng Tian, Junpeng Zhao, Guoqing Zhou, Xiangmei Dong, Xiumin Gao and Xuejing Liu
Photonics 2023, 10(5), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10050492 - 24 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1113
Abstract
Measuring the internal dynamic temperature of alkali metal vapor cells is crucial for enhancing the performance of numerous atomic devices. However, conventional methods of measuring the internal dynamic temperature of the cell are prone to errors. To obtain a more accurate internal dynamic [...] Read more.
Measuring the internal dynamic temperature of alkali metal vapor cells is crucial for enhancing the performance of numerous atomic devices. However, conventional methods of measuring the internal dynamic temperature of the cell are prone to errors. To obtain a more accurate internal dynamic temperature of the alkali metal vapor cell, a temperature measuring method based on the data fusion of the Kalman filter has been proposed. This method combines the indirect temperature measurement signal from a resistance temperature detector with the atomic absorption spectrometric temperature measurement signal. This provides a high-accuracy set of internal dynamic temperatures in the cell. The atomic vapor density calculated from the final fusion results is 37% average lower than that measured by external wall temperature measurements, which is in line with the conclusions reached in many previous studies. This study is highly beneficial to measure the temperature of alkali metal vapor cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application)
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11 pages, 6109 KiB  
Communication
Nonzero-Order Resonances in Single-Beam Spin-Exchange Relaxation-Free Magnetometers
by Kun Wang, Kaixuan Zhang, Nuozhou Xu, Yifan Yan, Xiaoyu Li and Binquan Zhou
Photonics 2023, 10(4), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10040458 - 15 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1256
Abstract
Zero-field optically pumped magnetometers operating in the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) regime have been extensively studied, and usually depend on zeroth-order parametric resonance to measure the magnetic field. However, the studies conducted on this topic lack thorough analyses and in-depth discussion of nonzero-order magnetic [...] Read more.
Zero-field optically pumped magnetometers operating in the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) regime have been extensively studied, and usually depend on zeroth-order parametric resonance to measure the magnetic field. However, the studies conducted on this topic lack thorough analyses and in-depth discussion of nonzero-order magnetic resonances in single-beam SERF magnetometers. In this paper, we analyzed the nonzero-order resonance, especially the first-order resonance, based on a single-beam SERF magnetometer, and discussed its various applications. A comprehensive theoretical analysis and experiments were conducted with respect to multiple functions, including nonzero finite magnetic field measurements, spin polarization measurement, and in situ coil constant calibration. The results showed that first-order resonance can be utilized for nonzerofinite magnetic field measurements, and the spin polarization of alkali-metal atoms can be determined by measuring the slowing-down factor using the resonance condition. Furthermore, acquiring the first-order resonance point at an equivalent zero pump light power through fitting offers an approach for quick and precise in situ coil constant calibration. This study contributes to the applications of SERF magnetometers in nonzero finite magnetic fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application)
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9 pages, 662 KiB  
Communication
Suppression of the Equivalent Magnetic Noise Caused by Electron Spin Polarization in a Xe Isotope Comagnetometer
by Zekun Wu, Zhen Chai, Lan Xiao and Zhanchao Liu
Photonics 2023, 10(4), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10040423 - 09 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1020
Abstract
The Xe isotope comagnetometer in the nuclear magnetic resonance regime can be used as a promising high-precision inertial measurement unit because of the absolute frequency measurement and high bandwidth. The fluctuation of the electron spin polarization leads to equivalent magnetic noise in the [...] Read more.
The Xe isotope comagnetometer in the nuclear magnetic resonance regime can be used as a promising high-precision inertial measurement unit because of the absolute frequency measurement and high bandwidth. The fluctuation of the electron spin polarization leads to equivalent magnetic noise in the Xe isotope comagnetometer, which is one of the main factors limiting the stability of the comagnetometer. Here, we demonstrate systematic research of equivalent magnetic noise suppression and analyze the influence of the electron spin polarization on the Xe isotope comagnetometer. Based on the spin–exchange method between Xe isotopes and alkali metal atoms through the Fermi contact hyperfine interaction, the error equation of the Xe Larmor frequency is established. The equivalent magnetic noise can be suppressed by controlling the static magnetic field. This suppression method for Xe isotope comagnetometers improved the stability while maintaining high bandwidth. The experimental results show that this method can reduce the fluctuations of the 129Xe and 131Xe frequencies by 75% and 68.6%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application)
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16 pages, 2822 KiB  
Article
Precise Determination of Magnetic Gradient Relaxation of Coupled Atomic Spin Ensemble in Spin-Exchange Relaxation-Free Co-Magnetometer
by Xiujie Fang, Kai Wei, Wenfeng Fan, Siran Li, Qian Cao, Wei Quan, Yueyang Zhai and Zhisong Xiao
Photonics 2023, 10(4), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10040400 - 03 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1064
Abstract
Inside a spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) co-magnetometer with a high-pressure buffer gas atomic cell, the magnetic field gradient causes the decoherence of atomic spins to produce magnetic-field gradient relaxation. This paper presents a new method for the accurate measurement of magnetic field gradient relaxation [...] Read more.
Inside a spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) co-magnetometer with a high-pressure buffer gas atomic cell, the magnetic field gradient causes the decoherence of atomic spins to produce magnetic-field gradient relaxation. This paper presents a new method for the accurate measurement of magnetic field gradient relaxation of alkali metal atoms and inert atoms of strongly coupled spin systems under triaxial magnetic field gradients in the K-Rb-21Ne co-magnetometer. The magnetic field gradient relaxation of alkali metal atoms is measured using a step magnetic field modulation method, and the magnetic field gradient relaxation of inert atoms is measured using a combined free induction decay and spin growth method. The method does not require the use of large background magnetic fields and RF fields to maintain the atoms in the SERF state, does not require additional optics, and is not affected by the pumping or detecting of optical power. A kinetic model that considers a large electron-equivalent magnetic field was designed and a gradient relaxation model was developed. The quadratic coefficients of the experimentally measured gradient relaxation curves fit the theoretical model well over the range of the applied magnetic field gradients, confirming the validity of the proposed method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application)
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14 pages, 2320 KiB  
Article
A Novel Measurement Method for Spin Polarization Three Axis Spatial Distribution in Spin-Exchange Relaxation Free Atomic Magnetometer
by Xiujie Fang, Jin Li, Yanning Ma, Kai Wei, Wenfeng Fan, Yueyang Zhai, Wei Quan and Zhisong Xiao
Photonics 2023, 10(3), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10030332 - 20 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1442
Abstract
The measurement of atomic spin polarization distribution in spin-exchange relaxation free (SERF) magnetometer is an important topic for improving the sensitivity and consistency of multi-channel magnetic field measurement applications. A novel spin polarization spatial distribution measurement method is presented based on the transient [...] Read more.
The measurement of atomic spin polarization distribution in spin-exchange relaxation free (SERF) magnetometer is an important topic for improving the sensitivity and consistency of multi-channel magnetic field measurement applications. A novel spin polarization spatial distribution measurement method is presented based on the transient response of the magnetometer after modulating the pumped light with a chopper. Polarization is obtained by a slow-down factor based on the fast spin-exchange interaction effects. Longitudinal and transverse polarization distributions are measured simultaneously without interrupting the operation of the SERF status. Under different oscillating magnetic fields, the spin polarization is measured at the cell centroid. Residual magnetic field inside the magnetometer is obtained from the linear relationship between the precession frequency and the oscillating magnetic field. The one-dimensional polarization distributions in the x, y, and z axes are measured using a digital micromirror device with a resolution of 0.25 cm. The measurement results conform to the Lambert-Bier absorption law and the Gaussian distribution law. Furthermore, 7 × 7 two-dimensional spatial distribution measurements of polarization on the xy and yz planes are performed. Nonuniformity of 1.04 in the xy plane and 1.82 in the yz plane in the built magnetometer. Compared with other measurement methods, the distribution measurement method proposed is independent of optical depth and suitable for low polarization and high polarization applications. Based on the results of the proposed measurement method of spin polarization spatial distribution, further compensation can improve the application consistency of multi-channel magnetic field measurements and improve the sensitivity of single-channel differential measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application)
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