Uniform optically pumped spin-exchange relaxation-free comagnetometer based on optical compensation

Abstract

In the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) comagnetometer, the atomic polarization gradient caused by light absorption can cause significant but unexpected nuclear spin transverse relaxation, which affects the system’s accuracy and sensitivity. This paper proposes the SERF comagnetometer configuration based on optical compensation to suppress polarization gradient in the vapor cell. The influence of polarization gradient on the system’s magnetic field suppression ability is analyzed by the state-space method. In addition, the atomic polarization distribution simulation and the performance testing between the traditional SERF comagnetometer and the proposed configuration are conducted. Compared to traditional configuration, the polarization gradient relaxation of the proposed configuration is effectively suppressed by 62%, the magnetic field suppression ability of the system is improved by 51%, and the rotation sensitivity is increased by 25.4%. This work investigates the influence of polarization gradient on system characteristics and proposes a comagnetometer configuration to suppress polarization gradient, enhancing the system’s magnetic field suppression ability and improving sensitivity. The demonstration of the polarization gradient suppression method is of significance for improving the performance of other inertial measurement devices such as nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscopes.