Atomic magnetometry
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Atomic magnetometers are used to measure minuscule magnetic field variations - the world's best magnetometers are now measuring fields in the attoTesla range, which is less than one hundred billionth of the Earth's magnetic field. The research project will be centred around translation of this technology to practical sensors for measurements in unshielded environments. The scientific and engineering challenges are significant but this technology has the potential to transform a wide range of important applications, from medicine to mineralogy, defence to archaeology, and seismology to agriculture.
The project will be conducted within the Experimental Quantum Optics Group at Strathclyde University to translate the quantum mechanical principles underpinning atomic magnetometry into practical optimisation routines, implemented on compact portable hardware. Understanding of feedback and embedded systems will be required to optimise sensors for specific applications. The work in system development will result in practical sensor testing and evaluation against requirements in sensitivity, bandwidth, form factor and power demand.
The project will be conducted within the Experimental Quantum Optics Group at Strathclyde University to translate the quantum mechanical principles underpinning atomic magnetometry into practical optimisation routines, implemented on compact portable hardware. Understanding of feedback and embedded systems will be required to optimise sensors for specific applications. The work in system development will result in practical sensor testing and evaluation against requirements in sensitivity, bandwidth, form factor and power demand.