Abstract
We describe a Cs atomic magnetometer operating in the spin-exchange-relaxation-free (SERF) regime. With a vapor cell temperature of we achieve intrinsic magnetic resonance widths corresponding to an electron spin-relaxation rate of when the spin-exchange rate is . We also observe an interesting narrowing effect due to diffusion. Signal-to-noise measurements yield a sensitivity of about . Based on photon shot noise, we project a sensitivity of . A theoretical optimization of the magnetometer indicates sensitivities on the order of should be achievable in a 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.
- Received 7 August 2007
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.77.033408
©2008 American Physical Society