Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

MDPI eBooks

Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application

Jixi Lu, Yao Chen

Published Jul 31, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) is a class of atomic devices that rely on the measurement of Larmor precession of an atomic spin ensemble in a magnetic field. They need the specific frequency light to complete the pumping and detection process. OPMs typically work under the Earth's magnetic field or a limited field. When operating in near-zero field, they can realize the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) regime, thereby promoting a substantial increase in sensitivity. At present, OPMs have been widely used in magnetoencephalography, magnetocardiography, geomagnetic detection, and inertia measurement (comagnetometer). There are a large number of researchers engaged in the study 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 contains some latest developments in OPMs and related areas. We hope the reprint can provide valuable references for researchers in the related field.

DOI
10.3390/books978-3-7258-4694-8

Related papers

Magnetic Field Compensation for An Optically Pumped Magnetometer Without Iteration

Yaqiong Niu, Chaofeng Ye

The most efficient way to improve the sensitivity of an optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) is to maximize the spin-polarization lifetime of the atoms. The spin exchange relaxation-free (SERF) OPM that operates in zero field environment is one of the most sensitive magnetic sensors. This paper proposes a new three-axis magnetic field compensation method for the single-beam OPM, which zeroes the magnetic field around the sensor to make it work in SERF regime. The method simultaneously employs two modulation magnetic fields and two low-frequency sweeping magnetic fields along two directions perpendicular to the laser beam during the compensation process. The output signal of the photodiode is demodulated at different frequencies, resulting in two outputs that reflect the three components of the magnetic field. This method does not require iterate to tune the three-axis field, which increases the speed of the compensation process significantly. The magnetic field resolutions of the method for the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis are 0.6 pT, 0.6 pT and 5 pt, respectively. A compact OPM with noise density about 20 fT / Hz1/2@10 Hz is developed and tested, demonstrating the feasibility of the method.

Proceedings of IEEE Sensors/Proceedings of IEEE Sensors ...•Oct 29, 2023•1 citation

Advances in unshielded optically pumped alkali magnetometers

S. J. Ingleby, D. Hunter, Erling Riis

The development of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) capable of operating in fields up to and beyond Earth's field has been accelerated in recent years by advances in the micro-fabrication of components, such as alkali-vapour cells and chip-scale lasers, and the application of spin-exchange relaxation suppression techniques, such as light-narrowing. Using these techniques, OPMs can be built for highly-accurate scalar geo-magnetometry. Sub-picotesla sensitivity can be achieved in compact packages, and commercialisation of these technologies is progressing globally. We review the underlying principles for OPM operation, including optimisation of microfabricated alkali vapour cells, and summarise the current state-of-the-art in their application.

Contemporary Physics•Jun 1, 2026•0 citations

Quantum magnetometry for space

Cameron Deans, T. Valenzuela, Mark G. Bason

The ability to measure the magnetic fields around celestial bodies enables various insights into processes and phenomena deep within such bodies.The use of magnetometry in space missions dates back to the 1950s, and a number of different technologies have been used to measure these fields, ranging from fluxgates to Anisotropic Magneto Resistance (AMR) sensors.Optically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs) represent the state-of-the-art in magnetic field sensitivity. 1 Such sensors rely upon the interaction of laser light to spin polarise a warm vapour of neutral atoms.Detecting the precession of these spins, again with laser light, is a direct way to measure a magnetic field and is relatable to fundamental constants.Improvements in quantum technology within the last decade have led to the miniaturisation of these sensors.We have now reached the point where compact, lightweight, and low power devices offer greater sensitivity to magnetic fields than any other technology.In this work, we identify the following four key space application areas in which OPMs may offer significant advantages over existing technologies: Environments in which high sensitivity is needed at low magnetic fields (10s of nT), full vector read-out with high directional sensitivity and reduced SWaP compared to helium magnetometers, miniaturised and lightweight scalar magnetometers to complement vector fluxgate measurements, vector or scalar sensors that need high (40 dB) gradiometer performance.This work identifies OPM configurations for each area and makes a first estimate of size, weight and power requirements for each.By enabling improvements in magnetic field sensitivity, this represents an exciting prospect for precision magnetic field measurements while also saving mass and reducing complexity.

International Conference on Space Optics (ICSO)•Jul 12, 2023•4 citations

Spin projection noise and the magnetic sensitivity of optically pumped magnetometers

K. Mouloudakis, V. Koutrouli, Iannis K. Kominis +2 more

Present protocols for obtaining the ultimate magnetic sensitivity of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) utilizing alkali-metal ensembles rely on uncorrelated atoms in stretched states. A new approach for calculating the spin projection noise (SPN)-limited signal to noise ratio (SNR) and the magnetic sensitivity of OPMs is proposed. Our model is based solely on the mean-field density matrix dynamics and in contrast to previous models, it applies to both low and high field regimes, it takes into account the degree of spin polarization, the intra- and interhyperfine correlations, the decoherence processes, the atom-light coupling and the effects of the spin dynamics on the spin-noise spectra. Fine tuning of the probe frequency allow us to explore different hyperfine states and ground-state correlations. Especially in the spin-exchange-relaxation-free (SERF) regime, alongside the magnetic resonance narrowing and the increased number density, hallmarks of SERF magnetometers, we report on a new SERF feature; the reduction of spin-projection noise at the spin precession frequency as a consequence of strongly-correlated hyperfine spins that attenuate and redistribute SPN when properly probed.

arXiv:2402.10746•Feb 16, 2024•0 citations

Miniaturized atomic magnetometer employing pump-beam modulation

Ziqian Yue, Junjian Tang, Yueyang Zhai

Atomic magnetometers with magnetic field modulation have emerged as pivotal sensors for biomagnetic measurements. However, challenges such as crosstalk between adjacent modulation fields and the complexity of signal circuitry become increasingly serious in the development of array-based equipment with the magnetometers, especially in the miniaturized atomic magnetometer. This paper proposes an all-optical, fully integrated fiber-coupled atomic magnetometer that employs pump beam modulation. A miniaturized atomic magnetometer with a volume of 10 cm³ has been designed, incorporating an active measurement area of 3 × 3 × 3 mm3. The magnetometer operates in the spinexchange relaxation-free (SERF) regime with an 87Rb vapor cell. An amplitude-modulated pump beam directly modulates the rubidium atomic ensembles, rather than the magnetic field modulation. The optical rotation angle is detected by an unmodulated probe beam oriented orthogonally to the pump beam. In light of the discontinuous pumping characteristics, we developed a modified theoretical model to clarify the output response of the proposed atomic magnetometer. The experimental results demonstrate that the new design achieves the same sensitivity as conventional magnetometer configurations with a smaller volume and without crosstalk of the magnetic field. This research highlights the significant potential for advancing the development of highly sensitive, miniaturized atomic magnetometers, making them particularly suitable for applications in magnetocardiography (MCG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG).

Advanced Sensor Systems and Applications•Oct 11, 2024•0 citations

Spin noise spectroscopy of an alignment-based atomic magnetometer

M. Koźbiał, L. Elson, Lucas M. Rushton +4 more

Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are revolutionizing the task of magnetic-field sensing due to their extremely high sensitivity combined with technological improvements in miniaturization which have led to compact and portable devices. OPMs can be based on spin-oriented or spin-aligned atomic ensembles which are spin polarized through optical pumping with circular or linear polarized light, respectively. Characterization of OPMs and the dynamical properties of their noise is important for applications in real-time sensing tasks. In our work, we experimentally perform spin noise spectroscopy of an alignment-based magnetometer. Moreover, we propose a stochastic model that predicts the noise power spectra exhibited by the device when, apart from the strong magnetic field responsible for the Larmor precession of the spin, white noise is applied in the perpendicular direction aligned with the pumping-probing beam. By varying the strength of the noise applied as well as the linear-polarization angle of incoming light, we verify the model to accurately predict the heights of the Larmor-induced spectral peaks and their corresponding linewidths. Our work paves the way for alignment-based magnetometers to become operational in real-time sensing tasks. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

arXiv:2312.05577•Physical Review A•Jul 30, 2024•15 citations
The optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) is a class of atomic devices that rely on the measurement of Larmor precession of an atomic spin ensemble in a magnetic field. They need the specific frequency light to complete the pumping and detection process. OPMs typically work under the Earth's magnetic field or a limited field. When operating in near-zero field, they can realize the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) regime, thereby promoting a substantial increase in sensitivity. At present, OPMs have been widely used in magnetoencephalography, magnetocardiography, geomagnetic detection, and inertia measurement (comagnetometer). There are a large number of researchers engaged in the study 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 contains some latest developments in OPMs and related areas. We hope the reprint can provide valuable references for researchers in the related field.
The most efficient way to improve the sensitivity of an optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) is to maximize the spin-polarization lifetime of the atoms. The spin exchange relaxation-free (SERF) OPM that operates in zero field environment is one of the most sensitive magnetic sensors. This paper proposes a new three-axis magnetic field compensation method for the single-beam OPM, which zeroes the magnetic field around the sensor to make it work in SERF regime. The method simultaneously employs two modulation magnetic fields and two low-frequency sweeping magnetic fields along two directions perpendicular to the laser beam during the compensation process. The output signal of the photodiode is demodulated at different frequencies, resulting in two outputs that reflect the three components of the magnetic field. This method does not require iterate to tune the three-axis field, which increases the speed of the compensation process significantly. The magnetic field resolutions of the method for the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis are 0.6 pT, 0.6 pT and 5 pt, respectively. A compact OPM with noise density about 20 fT / Hz1/2@10 Hz is developed and tested, demonstrating the feasibility of the method.
The development of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) capable of operating in fields up to and beyond Earth's field has been accelerated in recent years by advances in the micro-fabrication of components, such as alkali-vapour cells and chip-scale lasers, and the application of spin-exchange relaxation suppression techniques, such as light-narrowing. Using these techniques, OPMs can be built for highly-accurate scalar geo-magnetometry. Sub-picotesla sensitivity can be achieved in compact packages, and commercialisation of these technologies is progressing globally. We review the underlying principles for OPM operation, including optimisation of microfabricated alkali vapour cells, and summarise the current state-of-the-art in their application.
The ability to measure the magnetic fields around celestial bodies enables various insights into processes and phenomena deep within such bodies.The use of magnetometry in space missions dates back to the 1950s, and a number of different technologies have been used to measure these fields, ranging from fluxgates to Anisotropic Magneto Resistance (AMR) sensors.Optically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs) represent the state-of-the-art in magnetic field sensitivity. 1 Such sensors rely upon the interaction of laser light to spin polarise a warm vapour of neutral atoms.Detecting the precession of these spins, again with laser light, is a direct way to measure a magnetic field and is relatable to fundamental constants.Improvements in quantum technology within the last decade have led to the miniaturisation of these sensors.We have now reached the point where compact, lightweight, and low power devices offer greater sensitivity to magnetic fields than any other technology.In this work, we identify the following four key space application areas in which OPMs may offer significant advantages over existing technologies: Environments in which high sensitivity is needed at low magnetic fields (10s of nT), full vector read-out with high directional sensitivity and reduced SWaP compared to helium magnetometers, miniaturised and lightweight scalar magnetometers to complement vector fluxgate measurements, vector or scalar sensors that need high (40 dB) gradiometer performance.This work identifies OPM configurations for each area and makes a first estimate of size, weight and power requirements for each.By enabling improvements in magnetic field sensitivity, this represents an exciting prospect for precision magnetic field measurements while also saving mass and reducing complexity.
Present protocols for obtaining the ultimate magnetic sensitivity of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) utilizing alkali-metal ensembles rely on uncorrelated atoms in stretched states. A new approach for calculating the spin projection noise (SPN)-limited signal to noise ratio (SNR) and the magnetic sensitivity of OPMs is proposed. Our model is based solely on the mean-field density matrix dynamics and in contrast to previous models, it applies to both low and high field regimes, it takes into account the degree of spin polarization, the intra- and interhyperfine correlations, the decoherence processes, the atom-light coupling and the effects of the spin dynamics on the spin-noise spectra. Fine tuning of the probe frequency allow us to explore different hyperfine states and ground-state correlations. Especially in the spin-exchange-relaxation-free (SERF) regime, alongside the magnetic resonance narrowing and the increased number density, hallmarks of SERF magnetometers, we report on a new SERF feature; the reduction of spin-projection noise at the spin precession frequency as a consequence of strongly-correlated hyperfine spins that attenuate and redistribute SPN when properly probed.
Atomic magnetometers with magnetic field modulation have emerged as pivotal sensors for biomagnetic measurements. However, challenges such as crosstalk between adjacent modulation fields and the complexity of signal circuitry become increasingly serious in the development of array-based equipment with the magnetometers, especially in the miniaturized atomic magnetometer. This paper proposes an all-optical, fully integrated fiber-coupled atomic magnetometer that employs pump beam modulation. A miniaturized atomic magnetometer with a volume of 10 cm³ has been designed, incorporating an active measurement area of 3 × 3 × 3 mm3. The magnetometer operates in the spinexchange relaxation-free (SERF) regime with an 87Rb vapor cell. An amplitude-modulated pump beam directly modulates the rubidium atomic ensembles, rather than the magnetic field modulation. The optical rotation angle is detected by an unmodulated probe beam oriented orthogonally to the pump beam. In light of the discontinuous pumping characteristics, we developed a modified theoretical model to clarify the output response of the proposed atomic magnetometer. The experimental results demonstrate that the new design achieves the same sensitivity as conventional magnetometer configurations with a smaller volume and without crosstalk of the magnetic field. This research highlights the significant potential for advancing the development of highly sensitive, miniaturized atomic magnetometers, making them particularly suitable for applications in magnetocardiography (MCG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG).
Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are revolutionizing the task of magnetic-field sensing due to their extremely high sensitivity combined with technological improvements in miniaturization which have led to compact and portable devices. OPMs can be based on spin-oriented or spin-aligned atomic ensembles which are spin polarized through optical pumping with circular or linear polarized light, respectively. Characterization of OPMs and the dynamical properties of their noise is important for applications in real-time sensing tasks. In our work, we experimentally perform spin noise spectroscopy of an alignment-based magnetometer. Moreover, we propose a stochastic model that predicts the noise power spectra exhibited by the device when, apart from the strong magnetic field responsible for the Larmor precession of the spin, white noise is applied in the perpendicular direction aligned with the pumping-probing beam. By varying the strength of the noise applied as well as the linear-polarization angle of incoming light, we verify the model to accurately predict the heights of the Larmor-induced spectral peaks and their corresponding linewidths. Our work paves the way for alignment-based magnetometers to become operational in real-time sensing tasks. Published by the American Physical Society 2024