Abstract
We describe a Cs atomic magnetometer operating in the spin-exchange- relaxation-free (SERF) regime. With a vapor cell temperature of 103°C we achieve intrinsic magnetic resonance widths ΔB=17 μG corresponding to an electron spin-relaxation rate of 300 s-1 when the spin-exchange rate is ΓSE =14000 s-1. We also observe an interesting narrowing effect due to diffusion. Signal-to-noise measurements yield a sensitivity of about 400 pG/ Hz. Based on photon shot noise, we project a sensitivity of 40 pG/ Hz. A theoretical optimization of the magnetometer indicates sensitivities on the order of 2 pG/ Hz should be achievable in a 1 cm3 volume. Because Cs has a higher saturated vapor pressure than other alkali metals, SERF magnetometers using Cs atoms are particularly attractive in applications requiring lower temperatures.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 033408 |
Journal | Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics |
Volume | 77 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 13 2008 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics