Annals of Geophysics (Jun 1998)

A project for a new alkali vapour magnetometer, optically pumped by a diode laser

  • A. Donati,
  • E. Simeone,
  • M. Francesconi,
  • E. Maccioni,
  • E. Alzetta,
  • C. Carmisciano,
  • O. Faggioni,
  • N. Beverini,
  • F. Strumia

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-4335
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 41, no. 3

Abstract

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We present here a project for the industrial development of a new magnetometer that is intended to achieve the highest performance in measuring geomagnetic field. The instrument is based on the well-known technology of optically pumped alkali vapour magnetometers. Unlike current commercial models, a diode laser replaces the traditional radio-frequency lamp as pumping source and our magnetometer uses potassium as reference atom, contrary to the more traditional cesium or rubidium. The advantages of this choice are discussed. Preliminary experimental results on a prototype show an expected accuracy better than 1 pT/Hz-1/2.

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