Integration and characterization of a control and signal processing system for a SERF magnetometer array

Abstract

Interest in the development of ultrasensitive magnetometers is driven by applications in a variety of areas, including magnetoencephalography (MEG), magnetic anomaly detection (MAD), dynamic measurements of geomagnetic fields, and MRI signal detection. While numerous architectures are being pursued in the development of high sensitivity magnetometers, optical atomic magnetometers are of substantial interest due to their small size and promising performance characteristics. In particular, spin exchange relaxation free (SERF) magnetometers have demonstrated ultimate flux density measurement sensitivities of 10-" Tesla/Hz"', with projected fundamental sensitivity limits orders of magnitude lower. In this thesis, I describe the development and characterization of an integrated control and signal processing system for an array of SERF magnetometers. In particular, I address the integration and control of optical, magnetic, and electronic subsystems required for operation of an array of 64 independent SERF magnetometers. Additionally, I detail a testing regimen to verify proper operation of each subsystem and characterize the performance of a single SERF magnetometer operated by our integrated control and signal processing system.