arXiv subjects

Georg Bison

Publications and source records attributed to Georg Bison.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

How to build a magnetometer with thermal atomic vapor: A tutorial

This article is designed as a step-by-step guide to optically pumped magnetometers based on alkali atomic vapor cells. We begin with a general introduction to atomic magneto-optical response, as well as expected magnetometer performance merits and how they are affected by main sources of noise. This is followed by a brief comparison of different magnetometer realizations and an overview of current research, with the aim of helping readers to identify the most suitable magnetometer type for specific applications. Next, we discuss some practical considerations for experimental implementations, using the case of an $M_z$ magnetometer as an example of the design process. Finally, an interactive workbook with real magnetometer data is provided to illustrate magnetometer-performance analysis.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

Optical Magnetometry based Current Source

We present a current monitoring system based on optical magnetometry, which is able to discriminate true current variations from environmental effects at room temperature. The system consists of a dedicated thermally stable magnetic field confining coil and an array of four optically pumped magnetometers arranged in a two-dimensional gradiometer configuration. These magnetometers monitor magnetic field variations inside the coil, which correlate to the variations of the driving current of the coil. The system uses a digital signal-processing unit to extract and record in real time the magnetic field values measured by the magnetometers, which allows a real time monitoring of the current. The system's coil, which is made out of printed circuit boards, can easily be changed to adapt the current-to-field conversion. Thus, we can expand the applicability of this system to a wide range of currents. By using this system to actively feedback control a current source we stabilized a current of 20 mA on a level better than $5 \times 10^{-9}$.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2019

PicoTesla absolute field readings with a hybrid 3He/87Rb magnetometer

We demonstrate the use of a hybrid $^{3}$He / $^{87}$Rb magnetometer to measure absolute magnetic fields in the pT range. The measurements were undertaken by probing time-dependent $^3$He magnetisation using $^{87}$Rb zero-field magnetometers. Measurements were taken to demonstrate the use of the magnetometer in cancelling residual fields within a magnetic shield. It was shown that the absolute field could be reduced to the 10 pT level by using field readings from the magnetometer. Furthermore, the hybrid magnetometer was shown to be applicable for the reduction of gradient fields by optimising the effective $^3$He $T_2$ time. This procedure represents a convenient and consistent way to provide a near zero magnetic field environment which can be potentially used as a base for generating desired magnetic field configurations for use in precision measurements.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2017

PCB Coil Design Producing a Uniform Confined Magnetic Field

We present a magnetic field confining coil with a sub-$10^{-3}$ field uniformity over a large fraction of the coil. The structure is entirely made out of printed circuit boards (PCBs). The PCB design allows to tailor the path of wires to fit the required geometry. We measure the field uniformity with cesium magnetometers in a field range from 1 to 10 $\mu\mathrm{T}$. Our application uses such a coil for an atomic magnetometry-based current controller.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2006

Experimental study of laser detected magnetic resonance based on atomic alignment

We present an experimental study of the spectra produced by optical/radio-frequency double resonance in which resonant linearly polarized laser light is used in the optical pumping and detection processes. We show that the experimental spectra obtained for cesium are in excellent agreement with a very general theoretical model developed in our group and we investigate the limitations of this model. Finally, the results are discussed in view of their use in the study of relaxation processes in aligned alkali vapors.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2006

Theory of double resonance magnetometers based on atomic alignment

We present a theoretical study of the spectra produced by optical-radio-frequency double resonance devices, in which resonant linearly polarized light is used in the optical pumping and detection processes. We extend previous work by presenting algebraic results which are valid for atomic states with arbitrary angular momenta, arbitrary rf intensities, and arbitrary geometries. The only restriction made is the assumption of low light intensity. The results are discussed in view of their use in optical magnetometers.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2004

Optimization and performance of an optical cardio-magnetometer

Cardiomagnetometry is a growing field of noninvasive medical diagnostics that has triggered a need for affordable high-sensitivity magnetometers. Optical pumping magnetometers are promising candidates satisfying that need since it was demonstrated that they can map the heart magnetic field. For the optimization of such devices theoretical limits on the performance as well as an experimental approach is presented. The promising result is a intrinsic magnetometric sensitivity of 63 fT / Hz^1/2 a measurement bandwidth of 140 Hz and a spatial resolution of 28 mm.

physics.med-ph↗