**Quantum Standard: Atomic Magnetometer and Method of Sensing Magnetic Fields**
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a compact, chip-scale atomic magnetometer that can detect faint magnetic fields. This technology is crucial for medical diagnostics, geophysical mapping, underwater navigation, and space science.
**Organizations Involved:** NIST researchers Svenja Knappe, Jan Preusser, Micah Ledbetter, Igor Savukov, Dimitry Budker are key contributors to this development.
**Current Status:** The NIST chip-scale atomic magnetometer is implemented and ready for use in various industries.
**Potential Impact:** This technology can replace legacy instruments with low-power quantum-based devices. It will benefit users of medical diagnostic equipment and other organizations relying on sensitive magnetic field measurements.
**Implementation Timeframe:** No specific timeframe mentioned; however it’s already available for implementation.
Key Technical Points:
– The device uses laser light passing through a millimeter-sized chamber containing alkali atoms to detect changes in the spin orientation caused by magnetic fields.
– Unlike conventional technologies like electroencephalography or magnetoencephalography that require direct contact with the patient’s skull or superconducting sensors cooled to extremely low temperatures.
– Completely passive sensing without disturbing brain activity
Source: https://www.nist.gov/patents/atomic-magnetometer-and-method-sensing-magnetic-fields
Keywords: Atomic, Magnetometer, Laser
