Fast and robust optically pumped cesium magnetometer

Abstract

We present a fast and robust optically pumped magnetometer that is based on a feedback-controlled spin ensemble of cesium atoms in spin-polarized vapor. The table-top system is intended for operation in unshielded environment, and its design allows conversion into a handheld sensor head. Under strongly disturbed environmental conditions in the laboratory, the sensor exhibits a speed of more than 56 kHz, while having a slew rate of 39mT/s and a full dynamic range of 10-120 μT. Under these conditions a sensitivity of 33 pT/√Hz is reached. Byreducing the speed to 3.6 kHz the sensitivity can be improved to 6pT/√Hz, which is close to the shot noise limit.We describe the sensor design and its optimization and demonstrate the performance of the sensor under conditions appropriate for magnetic susceptometry measurements.