Optically-controlled density of alkali atom vapor for biomagnetic sensing applications

Abstract

Abstract Biomagnetic sensing is a powerful non-invasive tool for sensing the extremely small magnetic signals of living organisms. In recent years, the efforts to achieve higher resolution has brought about a demand for novel methods of increasing this tool’s sensitivity and further its miniaturization. In this paper, we present our studies on the optical control of the atomic vapor density in antirelaxation coated cells for application in optical magnetometry. A special system for homogeneous illumination of the cell walls is used to increase the atomic density, avoid the deposition of alkali atoms on the cell walls and reduce the coating deterioration.