Ultra-Sensitive Optical Atomic Magnetometers and Their Applications

Abstract

In this chapter, we overview the most sensitive contemporary atomic magnetometers (AM) that are based on high-density alkali-metal vapors. These magnetometers are considered in a broader content of other magnetometers and their applications. The principles of the operation of the AMs are explained for better understanding of this topic. One point of focus in this chapter which establishes the connection to the title of this book is about the relation between lasers and most sensitive atomic magnetometers. The chapter is organized in the following way. After general introduction to the AMs and the applications of magnetometers, the principles of the operation of optical atomic magnetometers are given. With this background information, next so-called SERF magnetometers and their features are discussed. Then, the discussion continues to the topic about the operation of “SERF magnetometers” in the non-SERF regime. Finally, after covering the principles and theory, we return to some most notable applications of atomic magnetometers.