Spin-exchange-relaxation-free magnetometry with Cs vapor

M. P. Ledbetter, I. M. Savukov, V. M. Acosta, D. Budker, and M. V. Romalis
Phys. Rev. A 77, 033408 – Published 13 March 2008

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=17μG corresponding to an electron spin-relaxation rate of 300s1 when the spin-exchange rate is ΓSE=14000s1. We also observe an interesting narrowing effect due to diffusion. Signal-to-noise measurements yield a sensitivity of about 400pG/Hz. Based on photon shot noise, we project a sensitivity of 40pG/Hz. A theoretical optimization of the magnetometer indicates sensitivities on the order of 2pG/Hz should be achievable in a 1cm3 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.

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  • Received 7 August 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.77.033408

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

M. P. Ledbetter*, I. M. Savukov, V. M. Acosta, and D. Budker

  • Department of Physics, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720-7300, USA

M. V. Romalis

  • Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA

  • *ledbetter@berkeley.edu
  • budker@berkeley.edu

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Vol. 77, Iss. 3 — March 2008

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