One-Shot Magnetometer

The unprecedented precision and reproducibility of atomic quantum states makes them ideal inertial sensors. This project will use the precession of atomic spin polarisation to measure the magnitude and alignment of an external magnetic field. Unlike conventional atomic magnetometers which require the time-dependent detection of this precession, we will illuminate an atomic vapour with vector vortex light to obtain a spatially varying signal from which we can determine the magnetic field. The project combines exploration of fundamental vectorial light-matter interaction, state-of-the-art light shaping and the development of a compact quantum technological instrument, closely aligned with the EPSRC quantum technology theme. The project is supported by the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics as part of a QuantIC studentship.