Radio-Frequency Magnetometry Based on Parametric Resonances

We propose and demonstrate a radio-frequency (rf) atomic magnetometer based on parametric resonances. Previously, most rf atomic magnetometers are based on magnetic resonances and their sensitivities are often limited by spin-exchange relaxation. Here, we introduce a novel scheme for an rf magnetometer where the rf magnetic field is measured by exciting the parametric resonances instead of magnetic resonances using parametric modulation fields. In this way, the spin-exchange relaxation is almost eliminated. Benefiting from the low spin relaxation rate, the parametric resonance scheme exhibits a narrower linewidth and stronger signal, which results in a higher sensitivity. With a 6×6×3 mm3 Rb atomic vapor cell, we developed an rf atomic magnetometer with a noise floor of 2 fT/Hz1/2, which is about one order of magnitude higher than the sensitivity achieved in the magnetic-resonance-based scheme. The presented rf detection scheme holds promise in advancing rf atomic magnetometers and brings new insight into their various applications.