Magnetometer Shielding and Polarization Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic field measurement apparatuses face reduced sensitivity due to magnetic field disturbances in directions other than the intended measurement direction.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field measurement apparatus featuring a magnetic shield in an elongated hollow shape with openings, a gas cell containing gaseous atoms, and irradiation units that use linearly or circularly polarized light guided by optical fibers to minimize the impact of disturbances, allowing precise measurement of magnetic fields while suppressing external magnetic field influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional magnetometer is used to measure magnetic fields, then magnetic field information can be obtained, but sensitivity is lowered when magnetic field disturbances exist in directions other than the measurement direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the light propagation path into multiple sections by introducing a light reflecting member, creating separate interaction zones for pump light and probe light with the vapor. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each light path to minimize disturbance sensitivity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a spatial dimension solution by using a light reflecting member to create a folded optical path within the vapor cell. The pump light and probe light interact with the vapor at different spatial locations and angles, adding dimensional separation that reduces cross-interference from magnetic field disturbances.
2Measurement precision
If the intensity of detection signal is increased to enhance sensitivity, then magnetic field detection capability improves, but the apparatus becomes more sensitive to off-axis magnetic field disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating different light-vapor interaction conditions at different spatial locations within the cell. The pump light and probe light have different propagation paths and interaction zones with the vapor, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall sensitivity to directional disturbances.
3Device complexity
If pump light and probe light are irradiated along the same direction, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but magnetic field measurement accuracy decreases due to disturbance interference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a light reflecting member to fold the optical path, allowing pump light and probe light to propagate in different directions while maintaining a compact apparatus structure. This dimensional manipulation of the light path enables directional separation without increasing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively measures magnetic fields while reducing the impact of disturbances, maintaining sensitivity by aligning light polarization with the magnetic shield axis, thereby minimizing interference from off-axis magnetic field disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
By irradiating pump light on the element mentioned above, energy of the atom in the element is excited in accordance with the magnetic field and a polarization plane of probe light having passed through the element is rotated due to a magneto-optic effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic field measurement apparatus includes an irradiation portion, a gas cell, a measurement unit (polarization separation unit, light receiving portion, signal processing circuit), and a magnetic shield. The magnetic shield is formed in a elongated hollow shape having openings at both sides thereof. The gas cell, in which gaseous atoms are sealed, is disposed in a hollow area of the magnetic shield. The irradiation portion irradiates irradiation light including linearly polarized light adjusted so that the vibration direction of an electric field coincides with the axis direction of the magnetic shield onto the gaseous atoms sealed in the gas cell along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic shield. The measurement unit measures a rotational angle of a polarization plane of the irradiation light that has been irradiated by the irradiation portion and passed through the gaseous atoms.