PS&T COLLOQUIUM |
2009 |
Fridays at 1:30
Title: "High sensitivity atomic magnetometers:
principles and applications"
Speaker: Dr.
Thomas W. Kornack from Twinleaf LLC.
Time and Date: 2:00 PM, Friday, Feb 6
Place: Theory Seminar Room
High sensitivity atomic
magnetometers: principles and applications
Magnetic
fields can be accurately measured by monitoring the precession of an ensemble
of atomic spins. Unprecedented magnetic sensitivity has been achieved thanks to
recent progress in the fundamental understanding of the atomic physics. In this
talk, I will describe how atomic magnetometers work and explain the discoveries
that enabled the development of the world's most sensitive magnetometers. I
will also discuss how this sensor technology is being commercialized for use in
a wide variety of exciting applications, including brain activity imaging,
extra-low frequency (ELF) communications, nitrogen NQR detection, plate
tectonics reconstruction, earthquake and volcanic eruption prediction, space
and satellite measurements, space-based kHz-band radio telescopes, ionospheric
fluctuations research, and magnetic surveys for geology, archeology, unexploded
ordnance, and mineral and petroleum prospecting.