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Performance Characterization and Optimization of a Miniaturized SERF Atomic Magnetometer via Tunable Laser Power
Peng Shi1,2, Chen Zuo1, Qisong Li1
1School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) atomic magnetometers show promise for detecting weak magnetic fields. Optimizing laser power in miniaturized sensors enhances bandwidth and dynamic range, with sensitivity depending non-monotonically on power.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Sensor technology
- Biomagnetism
Background:
- Spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) atomic magnetometers offer high sensitivity for ultra-weak magnetic field detection.
- Miniaturized SERF magnetometers are crucial for applications like biomagnetic imaging.
- The impact of laser power on miniaturized SERF magnetometer performance requires systematic investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the influence of laser power on the sensitivity, bandwidth, and dynamic range of miniaturized SERF atomic magnetometers.
- To develop a theoretical and experimental framework for optimizing laser-integrated miniaturized atomic magnetometers.
- To elucidate the interplay between laser power, power broadening, saturation absorption, and noise constraints.
Main Methods:
- Developed a miniaturized atomic magnetometer probe with an actively controlled vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).
- Conducted systematic experimental investigations correlating laser power with magnetometer performance metrics.
- Employed theoretical modeling incorporating power broadening, saturation absorption, and noise limitations.
Main Results:
- Sensitivity shows a non-monotonic dependence on optical power, peaking at 16 fT/√Hz with 300 μW.
- Bandwidth and dynamic range increase monotonically with optical power, reaching 230 Hz and ±5.4 nT at 500 μW.
- Experimental results align well with theoretical simulations.
Conclusions:
- Laser power is a critical parameter for optimizing miniaturized SERF atomic magnetometers.
- A comprehensive framework for performance optimization based on laser power has been established.
- This research paves the way for enhanced ultra-weak magnetic field detection using miniaturized sensors.
