Spatially resolved magnetometry using cold atoms in dark optical tweezers

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Metrology
• Magnetometry

Background:

• Precise magnetic field mapping is crucial for various scientific and technological applications.
• Current methods may lack resolution, sensitivity, or spatial range for certain applications.
• Atom spectroscopy offers a promising avenue for non-invasive and high-precision measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a novel technique for high-resolution magnetic field mapping.
• To utilize atom spectroscopy within a tunable optical tweezer system.
• To achieve sensitive magnetic field measurements over a macroscopic distance.

Main Methods:

• Employing Faraday spectroscopy on neutral atoms confined in crossed hollow beam optical tweezers.
• Generating hollow optical beams via spatial light modulation.
• Scanning the atomic trap location using acousto-optic deflectors to map the field.
• Utilizing the Zeeman shift of atomic energy levels to probe the magnetic field.

Main Results:

• Successfully mapped magnetic fields over a 3-millimeter range with 200-micron spatial resolution.
• Achieved a magnetic field sensitivity of 10 nanotesla (nT) in a single trap loading cycle.
• Demonstrated the technique by mapping a linear quadrupole magnetic field.
• Validated the accuracy and precision of the developed magnetic field mapping method.

Conclusions:

• The developed technique provides a powerful new tool for sensitive and high-resolution magnetic field mapping.
• Hollow beam tweezers combined with atom spectroscopy offer a versatile platform for quantum sensing.
• This method has potential applications in fundamental physics research, materials science, and device characterization.