This PhD project aims to develop a compact, scalable magnetometry system based on coherent population trapping (CPT) in thermal atomic vapours. By integrating micro-fabricated diffractive optics with MEMS vapour cells, the system will enable all-optical vector magnetic field measurements from a single incident beam—probing the magnetic field along all three Cartesian axes simultaneously.

The project builds on the microfabrication and sensor development expertise of Dr McGilligan and the magnetometry and field-deployable sensor experience of Dr Ingleby at the University of Strathclyde. Collaboration with the British Geological Survey (BGS) will provide expert validation and testing, including comparisons with high-precision observatory instruments at Eskdalemuir, such as absolute magnetometers and induction coils used for space weather and lightning detection.

This work will advance miniaturised, high-sensitivity magnetic sensing technologies with potential applications in geophysics, space weather monitoring, and portable quantum sensors.