Feedback Methods for Vector Measurements Using an All-Optical Atomic Magnetometer

In this work, we look to compare three methods of feedback for the ultimate purpose of measuring the transverse vector components of a magnetic field using a synchronous light-pulse atomic scalar magnetometer with a few tens of fT/Hz sensitivity in Earth-field-scale magnetic environments. By applying modulation in the magnetic field to orthogonal axes, the respective vector components may, in principle, be separated from the scalar measurement. Success of this technique depends in significant part on the ability to measure and respond to these perturbations with low measurement uncertainty. Using high-speed least-squares fitting, the phase response of the atomic spins relative to the first harmonic of the optical pump pulse repetition rate is monitored and correspondingly adjusted into resonance with the natural Larmor precession frequency. This paper seeks to motivate and compare three distinct methods of feedback for this purpose. As a first step toward the full development of this technique, the present work uses a simplified version with modulation applied only along the bias field. All three methods investigated herein are shown to provide results that match well with the scalar magnetometer measurements and to depend on both the applied modulation amplitude and optimal feedback response to achieve low relative uncertainty.