Three-axis atomic magnetometer for nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscopes

A three-axis atomic magnetometer for nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscopes (NMRGs) is demonstrated. To satisfy the miniaturization demand of NMRGs, a magnetic-resonance-based atomic magnetometer is used to detect the longitudinal magnetic field. Simultaneously, the longitudinal field is modulated to measure the magnetic field in x and y axes based on a nonlinear magneto-optical rotation magnetometer. Magnetic field sensitivities of 100 fT/Hz^1/2 in x and y axes and 20 fT/Hz^1/2 in the z axis are achieved. The bandwidths of this magnetometer are 96 Hz in x and y axes and 6 Hz in the z axis. A high-sensitivity three-axis magnetometer is essential to accomplish the rotation detection in NMRGs and also plays a vital role in optimizing the performance of gyroscopes.