Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Discrete optical system in optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) presents a significant challenge to their integration into high‐spatial‐resolution magnetic field detection. Here, the electron spin polarization of atoms using a fiber‐coupled silicon nitride () photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is demonstrated, by the way of delivering arrayed elliptically polarized light (EPL) into a vapor cell. Specifically, the photonic integrated circuit (PIC) transforms fiber‐coupled 795 nm pump light via optical waveguides to eight divergent free‐space beams, simultaneously converting linear polarized light (LPL) into EPL with an average polarization conversion efficiency of 71%. The PIC‐enabled OPM has detected the weak magnetic field with an optimal sensitivity of 0.53 pT at 70Hz. This work presents an effective approach for manipulation of alkali atoms using a chip and, crucially, introduces a chip‐based pump solution for OPMs. This approach contributes to the integration of nanophotonics with atomic systems, paving the way for future advancements in quantum sensing.
Source: Laser & Photonics Review
Institution: Beihang University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4407607497