Optimization of Sensitivity in an Mx Quantum Magnetometer via Dual-Sideband Modulation in Rubidium Vapor

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Magneto-plasmonic Lab, Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Physics, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Physics, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Atomic magnetometers are one of the most sensitive quantum magnetic sensors that operate at room temperature. Achieving high sensitivity in these sensors requires eliminating various optical and electronic noises in their setup. Various methods have been used for this purpose. Given that these sensors operate in the optical resonance absorption region, one way to achieve high sensitivity is to use dual modulation. In this paper, it is shown that the use of sidebands can be an effective solution to increase sensitivity and overcome the limitations of the sensor's frequency response. By combining the amplitude modulation of the incoming light with the modulation of the magnetic resonance, the sidebands are shifted to higher frequencies. The results show that this dual modulation reduces noise by two orders of magnitude and improves sensitivity from 500pT/√Hz in the unmodulated regime to 1.7pT/√Hz in the dual modulation regime. Therefore, using dual modulation in the magnetic atomic sensor is an effective solution in reducing noise and increasing its sensitivity.

Keywords