NIST scientists have developed a new type of magnetometer that could revolutionize medical and space science applications. The chip-scale atomic magnetometer is a tiny device that can detect extremely weak magnetic fields, such as those produced by the human brain and heart. Unlike traditional superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), which require cryogenic temperatures, these new sensors operate at room temperature and can be easily integrated into various electronic devices.
The potential applications for these miniature magnetometers are vast. In medicine, they could be used to monitor fetal heartbeats and diagnose neurological conditions like epilepsy. In space science, their small size makes them ideal for deployment on CubeSats, enabling new types of magnetic field measurements in space.
The technology behind these magnetometers involves trapping atoms in a tiny glass chamber and using laser light to measure changes in the atoms’ magnetic spins. This approach allows for highly sensitive and accurate measurements of magnetic fields, with the added benefit of operating at room temperature.
The development of these chip-scale atomic magnetometers represents a significant advancement in the field of quantum sensing, with the potential to enable new applications in medicine, space exploration, and beyond.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/noac/technology/magnetic-and-electric-fields/chip-scale-atomic-magnetometers
Keywords: Magnetometers, Atomic Devices, Magnetic Fields, Atomic Magnetometer, Chip-Scale
