Magnetometry using sodium fluorescence with synchronous modulation of two-photon resonant light fields

Abstract

We report a new technique for generating magnetic resonance with synchronous modulation of two-photon resonant light fields. Magnetic resonances in fluorescence from a sodium cell are measured to demonstrate suitability of this technique for remote magnetometry. A strong magnetic resonance with its dip corresponding to the Larmor frequency is produced in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. An additional resonance at 3\{Omega_L} is observed, which can be used to determine the magnetic field orientation. We have developed a theoretical model based on the density matrix equations to verify our experimental observations. An average magnetic field sensitivity of 41 \mathbf{pT}/\sqrt{\mathbf{Hz}} is measured using light duty cycles ranging from 35% to 10%. We have discussed possible changes that can be made to improve the sensitivity of this scheme further.