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In this paper, we describe a new approach to the continuous operation of a transverse spin-exchange optically pumped NMR gyroscope that utilizes modulation of both the applied bias field and the optical pumping. We demonstrate the simultaneous, continuous excitation of 131Xe and 129Xe using this hybrid modulation approach and the real-time demodulation of the Xe precession using a custom least-squares fitting algorithm. We present rotation rate measurements with this device, with a common field suppression factor of ∼1400, an angle random walk of 21 μHz/Hz, and a bias instability of ∼480 nHz after ∼1000 s.

 

In this work, we look to compare three methods of feedback for the ultimate purpose of measuring the transverse vector components of a magnetic field using a synchronous light-pulse atomic scalar magnetometer with a few tens of fT/Hz sensitivity in Earth-field-scale magnetic environments. By applying modulation in the magnetic field to orthogonal axes, the respective vector components may, in principle, be separated from the scalar measurement. Success of this technique depends in significant part on the ability to measure and respond to these perturbations with low measurement uncertainty. Using high-speed least-squares fitting, the phase response of the atomic spins relative to the first harmonic of the optical pump pulse repetition rate is monitored and correspondingly adjusted into resonance with the natural Larmor precession frequency. This paper seeks to motivate and compare three distinct methods of feedback for this purpose. As a first step toward the full development of this technique, the present work uses a simplified version with modulation applied only along the bias field. All three methods investigated herein are shown to provide results that match well with the scalar magnetometer measurements and to depend on both the applied modulation amplitude and optimal feedback response to achieve low relative uncertainty.

 

Inertial navigation systems generally consist of timing, acceleration, and orientation measurement units. Although much progress has been made towards developing primary timing sources such as atomic clocks, acceleration and orientation measurement units often require calibration. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) gyroscopes, which rely on continuous measurement of the simultaneous Larmor precession of two co-located polarized noble gases, can be configured to have scale factors that depend to first order only on fundamental constants. The noble gases are polarized by spin-exchange collisions with co-located optically pumped alkali-metal atoms. The alkali-metal atoms are also used to detect the phase of precession of the polarized noble gas nuclei. Here we present a version of an NMR gyroscope designed to suppress systematic errors from the alkali-metal atoms. We demonstrate rotation rate angle random walk (ARW) sensitivity of 16μHz/Hz and bias instability of ∼800 nHz. 

Ensemble qubits with strong coupling to photons and resilience against single atom loss are promising candidates for building quantum networks. We report on progress towards high fidelity preparation and control of ensemble qubits using Rydberg blockade. Our previous demonstration of ensemble qubit preparation at a fidelity <60% was possibly limited by Rydberg blockade leakage due to uncontrolled short range atom pair separation. We show progress towards ensembles with a blue-detuned 1-D lattice on top of the existing red-detuned dipole trap, which will suppress unwanted Rydberg interactions by imposing constraints on the atomic separation. We study the effect of lattice insertion on the fidelity of ensemble state preparation and Rydberg-mediated gates. Studies of cooperative scattering from a 1D atomic array will also be presented. 

Spin-exchange pumped NMR gyros scale well to small volumes due to the gentle 1/L scaling of the fundamental NMR relaxation rates with cell size L and their use of imbedded ultra sensitive atomic magnetometers that directly measure the quantum-enhanced field due to the precessing nuclei. This talk will give an overview of the present technology and describe new approaches that promise improved long-term stability.