Optically pumped solid state quantum magnetometers for space applications

This paper reports on a new generation ofminiaturized magnetometers based on opticallypumped spin-defects in solid state systems forpotential space applications. State-of-the-artoptically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR)devices rely on large setups using confocalmicroscopes or EPR-like spectrometers with amacroscopic microwave cavity. We present afiber-based approach, where spin-defect hostingsilicon carbide is placed on the fiber end of anoptical circulator. Thus, the sensor head can bereduced to approximately a cubic centimeter whilethe electronics of the excitation and detectionsystem can be stored externally without distortingthe investigated magnetic field. Besides thestandard ODMR technique of manipulating spinsvia radio frequencies (RF), we present an alloptical technique using spin-forbidden transitionsat the level-anti crossing (LAC) point. Hereby wecan avoid power consuming components like theRF source and amplifier resulting in a compactdevice suitable for space missions.