Special group seminar via Zoom: Microfabricated Rb Vapor Cells and Magnetometry with Microwave-Assisted Optical Pumping in Warm Rb Atoms

Brittany Lu, University of Alberta
Group Seminar via video conference (Zoom)
Wednesday, December 15, 5:00 pm (MEZ)

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are still holding our group seminars and journal clubs via video conference.This procedure enables us to continue our research, enhance discussions and exchange important information.

Abstract:
With new methods for quantum devices comes the need for portability. A key component of atomic sensors is the vapor cell containing the atomic source. The first part of the talk is on the microfabrication of mm-sized rubidium vapor cells using silicon micromachining tools and techniques. This method is relatively inexpensive compared to glass-blowing methods and allows rapid, large-scale production. I will describe the process flow and show tests for rubidium atoms inside the cell.
The second part of the talk is on a vector magnetometry method using microwave-assisted optical pumping, in which a microwave field resonant to the ground state hyperfine splitting of 87Rb pumps an ensemble of warm rubidium vapor, in addition to a strong optical pump beam, and a weaker optical probe beam. The proposed method detects fields in the in the tens of mT regime and could allow us to determine the direction of the DC magnetic field relative to the microwave field. I will present theoretical details as well as preliminary data demonstrating measurements of a DC magnetic field.

If you would like to join our group seminars via Zoom, please contact us for more information.