Optically pumped quantum magnetometers, exploiting long-coherence time magnetic resonances in the ground state of thermal alkali vapours, now offer sensitivity to geomagnetic fields (50 micro-tesla) at parts-per-billion (sub-pico-tesla) sensitivity, exceeding that of the best classical sensors by an order of magnitude or more. Recent developments at Strathclyde, using unique mass-produced alkali vapour atomic cells, chip-scale lasers, additively manufactured optomechanical housings and novel digital signal processing, have achieved this sensitivity in pocket-sized sensor packages.
One of the great advantages of quantum magnetometry based on alkali vapours is that these measurements uniquely combine sensitivity and an absolute measurement, calibrated by physical constants to a well-defined frequency scale. Classical inductive sensors suffer from irreducible thermal scale factor drifts, and proton magnetometers cannot be operated with sufficient bandwidth and sensitivity for a standalone measurement in most applications. Systematic elimination and calibrated vectorisation (using Serson’s method, or phase harmonic analysis, developed at Strathclyde) of alkali quantum magnetometers offers a self-calibrated, compact technology for measurements outside magnetic shielding.
Vector geomagnetic quantum magnetometers offer a useful sensing modality for the monitoring of explosions, space weather and resulting ground induced currents, requiring deployment of compact sensors, running remotely. This studentship will build on Strathclyde’s development of vector geomagnetic sensors in collaboration with the British Vector geomagnetic quantum magnetometers offer a useful sensing modality for the monitoring of explosions, space weather and resulting ground induced currents, requiring deployment of compact sensors, running remotely. This studentship will build on Strathclyde’s development of vector geomagnetic sensors in collaboration with the British Geological Survey, who, with their responsibility for the UK’s geomagnetic reference measurements, can offer gold-standard validation of geomagnetic instrumentation. The project will be strongly linked to AWE priorities in field trialling, with the deployment of compact instruments in relevant testing an early priority, offering valuable experience for the student and shaping further TRL-raising activity.