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arXiv · 0708.1012

Spin-exchange relaxation free magnetometry with Cs vapor

M. P. Ledbetter·I. M. Savukov·V. M. Acosta·D. Budker·M. V. Romalis
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Abstract

We describe a Cs atomic magnetometer operating in the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) regime. With a vapor cell temperature of $103^\circ\rm{C}$ we achieve intrinsic magnetic resonance widths $\Delta B=17 {\rm \mu G}$ corresponding to an electron spin-relaxation rate of $300 {\rm s^{-1}}$ when the spin-exchange rate is $\Gamma_{SE}=14000 {\rm s^{-1}}$. We also observe an interesting narrowing effect due to diffusion. Signal-to-noise measurements yield a sensitivity of about $400\thinspace{\rm pG/\sqrt{Hz}}$. Based on photon shot noise, we project a sensitivity of $40 {\rm pG/\sqrt{Hz}}$. A theoretical optimization of the magnetometer indicates sensitivities on the order of $2 {\rm pG/\sqrt{Hz}}$ should be achievable in a $1 {\rm cm^3}$ 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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M. P. Ledbetter, I. M. Savukov, V. M. Acosta, D. Budker, M. V. Romalis. 2007-08-07. Spin-exchange relaxation free magnetometry with Cs vapor. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.77.033408

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