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arXiv:2307.06130 · Optica Quantum

Remote chip-scale quantum sensing of magnetic fields

Kfir Levi, Avital Giat, Liran Golan, Eliran Talker, Liron Stern

Published Oct 11, 2024• 4 citations
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Abstract

Quantum sensing is an ever-evolving research field describing the use of a quantum phenomenon to perform measurement of a physical quantity. Amongst different types of quantum sensors, atomic vapor-based quantum effects are extensively used to measure quantities such as time, velocity, acceleration, electric, and magnetic fields. Here, we propose and demonstrate remote quantum sensing using a chip-scale atomic vapor cell. Specifically, we remotely interrogate millimeter-scale micromachined vapor cells, and measure the ambient Earth’s magnetic field at a standoff distance of ∼10 m and a sensitivity of ∼1 pT/√Hz. We further spatially map different magnetic fields in the presence of a noisy ambient environment. Simultaneously we are able measure the distance between a micro-cell and the interrogating system by means of time-of-flight measurements, thus correlating between position and magnetic field. Utilizing micromachined vapor cells for remote magnetometry offers substantial advantages in scalability, planar photonic integration, cost, and size. Consequently, we provide a novel toolset to deploy, measure, and map arbitrary, remote, and hard-to-access magnetic fields in unshielded environments with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, paving the way to a variety of novel applications in diverse fields such as medicine, communication, defense, space-exploration, and quantum technologies.

DOI
10.1364/opticaq.528399

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Quantum sensing is an ever-evolving research field describing the use of a quantum phenomenon to perform measurement of a physical quantity. Amongst different types of quantum sensors, atomic vapor-based quantum effects are extensively used to measure quantities such as time, velocity, acceleration, electric, and magnetic fields. Here, we propose and demonstrate remote quantum sensing using a chip-scale atomic vapor cell. Specifically, we remotely interrogate millimeter-scale micromachined vapor cells, and measure the ambient Earth’s magnetic field at a standoff distance of ∼10 m and a sensitivity of ∼1 pT/√Hz. We further spatially map different magnetic fields in the presence of a noisy ambient environment. Simultaneously we are able measure the distance between a micro-cell and the interrogating system by means of time-of-flight measurements, thus correlating between position and magnetic field. Utilizing micromachined vapor cells for remote magnetometry offers substantial advantages in scalability, planar photonic integration, cost, and size. Consequently, we provide a novel toolset to deploy, measure, and map arbitrary, remote, and hard-to-access magnetic fields in unshielded environments with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, paving the way to a variety of novel applications in diverse fields such as medicine, communication, defense, space-exploration, and quantum technologies.
We propose and demonstrate chip-scale based all-optical remote magnetic sensing. Specifically, we remotely interrogate mm-scale micromachined vapor cells and measure the ambient magnetic field with at a standoff distance of ~10 meters and a sensitivity of ~1 pT/√Hz. Simultaneously we are able to measure the distance between the micro-cell and the interrogating system by means of time-of-flight measurements, thus correlating between position and magnetic field. Consequently, we provide a novel toolset to remotely map arbitrary, remote and hard to access magnetic field in an unshielded environment with high sensitivity and spatial resolution.
High-sensitivity sensors play a critical role in fundamental physics research, space magnetic field detection, geological monitoring, and biomedical applications. Atomic sensors, based on quantum mechanics principles, such as atomic magnetometers, atomic clocks, and atomic gyroscopes, etc. have emerged as pivotal technical equipment for precision measurements due to their exceptional sensitivity, low power consumption, and long-term stability. The atomic vapor cell, serving as the core component, facilitates quantum state manipulation via the Zeeman effect. Miniaturization and integration of these cells have not only advanced the development of portable atomic magnetometers but also provided a foundation for breakthroughs in chip-scale atomic clocks and enhanced navigation accuracy of atomic gyroscopes. The research progresses of chip-scale atomic vapor cells in recent years are reviewed. The advancements in alkali metal introduction methods, anti-relaxation surface coatings, and micro-nano fabrication techniques have enabled the miniaturization of atomic vapor cells while preserving high performance, creating new opportunities for the deployment of quantum sensing technologies across diverse fields. Looking ahead, multifunctional integration and material innovations in atomic vapor cells are expected to further broaden their applications in time-frequency standards, inertial navigation systems, and weak magnetic field measurements.
Abstract Optical magnetometers based on alkali vapors, such as rubidium, are among the most sensitive technologies for detecting and characterizing magnetic fields. Following the recent effort in miniaturizing atomic-based quantum technologies, the last years were marked by a growing interest in developing integrated quantum nanophotonic circuits for a vast range of applications. Motivated by the attractiveness of such chip-scale integration, we present and experimentally demonstrate an integrated magnetic sensing platform, based on a nanophotonic-chip interfaced to a microfabricated alkali vapor cell. Magnetically induced circular dichroism in rubidium vapor is measured using a planar structure that spatially resolves the handedness of incoming photons depending on their spin. The presented approach paves the way toward further integration of highly sensitive magnetometers, with potential for future applications, such as in high-spatial resolution magnetic vectorial imaging.
In recent years, micromachined vapor cells have been revolutionizing the field of chip-scale quantum sensors such as magnetometers and atomic clocks. In parallel, Rydberg atomic quantum sensing has emerged as a powerful technique for broadband, non-invasive and ultra-sensitive electrometry. Yet, to date, Rydberg sensing has largely been limited to glass-blown, centimeter-scale vapor cells. Here, we perform Rydberg spectroscopy using a wafer-scale fabricated Pyrex-Si-Pyrex cell with millimeter-scale dimensions. The Rydberg spectroscopic line is characterized with respect to critical parameters such as temperature, the frequency and amplitude of the applied radiofrequency field, light intensity, and the spatial position of the interrogating beam. Our study reveals lineshapes directly influenced by a complex landscape of electrostatic fields with values up to approximately 0.6 V/cm. By controlling key parameters, we were able to reduce the effect of these internal electric fields and demonstrate the detection of RF fields with a sensitivity as low as 10 μV/cm10\,μ\mathrm{V/cm}10μV/cm These results highlight the potential of micromachined vapor cells for sub-wavelength electromagnetic field measurements, with applications in communications, near-field RF imaging, and chip-scale quantum technologies.
Abstract Micromachined vapor cells have revolutionized chip-scale quantum sensors, including magnetometers and atomic clocks. In parallel, Rydberg-atom quantum sensing has emerged as a powerful platform for broadband, non-invasive and ultra-sensitive electrometry, enabling compact atom-based antenna elements for electromagnetic reception, often referred to as quantum antennas. Yet, to date, Rydberg sensing has largely been limited to glass-blown, cm-scale vapor cells. Here, we perform Rydberg spectroscopy and electrometry using a wafer-scale-fabricated Pyrex–Si–Pyrex cell with millimeter-scale dimensions. The Rydberg spectroscopic line is characterized with respect to critical parameters such as temperature, the frequency and amplitude of the applied radio frequency (RF) field, light intensity, and the spatial position of the interrogating beam. Our study reveals lineshapes directly influenced by a complex landscape of electrostatic fields with values up to approximately 0.6 V cm − 1 . By controlling key parameters, we were able to reduce the effect of these internal electric fields, and demonstrate the detection of RF fields assessed using the Autler–Townes splitting with a minimum detectable field of 20 μ V cm − 1 . Our results highlight the potential of micromachined vapor cells for subwavelength electromagnetic field measurements, with applications in communications, near-field RF imaging, and chip-scale quantum technologies.
Recent advances in chip scale magnetic quantum sensing have produced platforms that pair unprecedented sensitivity with extreme miniaturization. Here, we demonstrate a hybrid quantum sensor by combining Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamond with a rubidium (Rb) vapor cell, designed for precise magnetic field measurements and quantum exploration. The hybrid comagnetometer leverages the high resolution vector magnetic sensing of NV centers along with the high scalar field sensitivity of the Rb vapor, enhancing the estimation of the magnetic field in terms of magnitude, direction and spatial distribution. A micromachined mm scale vapor cell containing Rb atoms is paired with a bulk diamond, enabling optical and microwave control of both quantum systems for integrated field estimation. Simulations and experimental results confirm the improved accuracy of the system in magnetic field measurements, demonstrating a beyond 10 dB improvement. This NV and Rb platform offers a versatile route toward portable, sensitive magnetometry and opens new possibilities for integrated, multi-modal quantum sensing.