Microfabricated optically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are advancing magnetic sensing and imaging for applications in space, defense, geophysics, industrial, and biomedical applications. OPM sensors have been developed in academia and national laboratories over the last 20 years, demonstrating the capabilities of small uncooled magnetometers with performance rivaling those of low-temperature superconductors. Many cross-validation demonstrations enabled the adoption of these novel quantum magnetometers in new applications. Translating this technology into industry poses many new challenges, but also opens the door for faster adoption by putting them into the hands of the users. Two example applications are discussed: microfabricated zero-field OPMs for non-invasive functional brain imaging and microfabricated Mz scalar-vector magnetometers for integration into Cubesats for geomagnetic surveying and monitoring. Both applications pose unique challenges and take advantage of unique features of these quantum sensors.
Sensors based on optically-pumped magnetometers allow the development of room-temperature, wearable imaging systems for biomagnetism detection due to their excellent sensitivity, with applications such as Magnetoencephalography and Brain-Computer Interfaces. The small size of sensors based on microfabricated vapor cell technology promises high spatial resolution. The high sensitivity also opens up the possibility to use OPM sensors in other applications such as Very Low Frequency communications and ultrasensitive microwave detection.
KEYWORDS: Sensors, Magnetometers, Magnetism, Electronics, Modulation, Digital signal processing, Optical pumping, Magnetic sensors, Rubidium, Chemical species
We describe the operation and results of our first generation zero field optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) developed for biomedical applications. The OPM technology is one of the most promising non-cryogenic candidates to replace superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometers in key areas of biomagnetism. The first-generation sensors are designed to transition OPM technology from a physics laboratory to researchers in the medical community. The laser and optical components are tightly integrated inside the sensor package, and the sensor is tethered to a dedicated electronics signal processing unit that enables automated and standalone operation inside a magnetically shielded room.
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