Abstract: A method for determining a rotational orientation change using an NMR gyroscope includes making use of a measure of determining, in a vapor cell, which is filled at least with a gaseous first element and a gaseous second element having non-vanishing nuclear spin, a nuclear spin component of the second element in the second direction and a nuclear spin component of the second element in a third direction. The second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to a first direction, which corresponds to the direction of the static magnetic field and to the polarization direction of the nuclear spin of the second element. Moreover, the second direction corresponds to the direction of an applied alternating magnetic field, the frequency of which corresponds to the Larmor frequency of the Larmor precession of the nuclear spin of the second element about the static magnetic field.

Abstract: An atomic vapor cell for performing RF measurements includes: a first optical window of transparent nonconducting material free of electrically conductive materials; an intermediate frame of transparent nonconducting material free of electrically conductive materials; a second optical window disposed on the intermediate frame and including transparent nonconducting material free of electrically conductive materials to minimize distortion of radiofrequency fields by the windows and frame; and a cell aperture, wherein the atomic vapor cell is hermetically sealed by bonding between the first optical window and the second optical window to the intermediate frame.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an electrometer system that includes a sensor cell and a probe laser to generate a probe beam directed through the sensor cell in a first direction and exiting the sensor cell as a detection beam. The system also includes a coupling laser to generate a coupling beam directed through the sensor cell collinearly and anti-parallel with the probe beam. The system also includes a reference signal generator configured to generate a reference signal having a predetermined polarization and a predetermined frequency through the sensor cell. The system further includes a detection system configured to monitor the detection beam to determine a frequency and a vector component of an external signal based on an intensity of the detection beam and based on the predetermined polarization and the predetermined frequency of the reference signal.

Abstract: An embodiment of an optical lattice clock comprising atoms and a laser light source at an operational magic frequency is provided. The atoms are capable of making a clock transition between two levels of electronic states, and the laser light source generates at least a pair of counterpropagating laser beams, each of which having a lattice-laser intensity I. The pair of counterpropagating laser beams forms an optical lattice potential for trapping the atoms at around antinodes of a standing wave created by it. The operational magic frequency is one of the frequencies that have an effect of making lattice-induced clock shift of the clock transition insensitive to variation ?I of the lattice-laser intensity I, the lattice-induced clock shift being a shift in a frequency for the clock transition of the atoms caused by the variation ?I of the lattice-laser intensity I.

Abstract: A pressurizable holder for a sample to be examined by NMR, comprises a pressure retaining nonmagnetic tube surrounding a radio-frequency coil which in turn surrounds a space for the sample. The pressure retaining tube is formed of (i) nonmetallic electrically insulating material such as a ceramic or (ii) nonmetallic electrically insulating matrix material reinforced with electrically insulating filaments such as glass fiber, or (iii) non-metallic electrically insulating matrix material reinforced with electrically conductive filaments configured so that conductivity is anisotropic. There is good coil filling factor without constraint on wall thickness of the pressure retaining tube. Avoidance of isotropically conductive material inhibits eddy currents when an NMR spectrometer's magnetic field gradient coils are switched on and off. The tube resists hoop stress from internal pressure. Longitudinal stress is resisted by structure connecting end pieces at the ends of the pressure retaining tube.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device (1) for an atomic clock. The device has a printed circuit board (20), a heating source, and microwave conductor. The printed circuit board (20) includes a conductive piece (10) for both interrogating and heating a gas in a cell of an atomic clock. The piece (10) has a gap (11), and is arranged for containing the cell (2), so as to directly touch the cell (2) in at least one point. The heating source (40, 60) generates heat, and is connected to the piece (10). The microwave conductor (12) is arranged to be connected to the piece (10) so as to send to the piece (10) a microwave signal for interrogating the atoms of the gas in the cell (2). This device performs more than one function (e.g. heating and interrogating) and simplify the manufacturing of the atomic clock.

Abstract: A delay line device and a terahertz time-domain spectrometer system include: a baseplate, a slide rail component, in which the slide rail component includes a slide, a reflector, a grating ruler component, and an electric-magnetic induction component. When the electric-magnetic component, after being applied a current, cuts the magnetic induction coil to generate power to push the slide moving, the grating ruler component placed on the slide rail component collects the movement information of the slide. The slide's movement drives the reflector placed on the slide to move together to change the optical distance of a pump light, so as to generate the delay between the pump light and a probe light.

Abstract: A magnetic field measuring apparatus includes a first cell and a second cell in which alkali metal atoms are respectively enclosed, a light guide that enters laser light into the first cell and the second cell, and a position adjustment mechanism, and a position of a second reference surface with respect to a first reference surface is adjusted and orientations of optical axes of a beam light relating to the first reference surface and a beam light relating to the second reference surface are the same direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vapor-cell system comprising: a vapor-cell region configured for vapor-cell optical paths; a first electrode disposed in contact with the vapor-cell region; a second electrode electrically isolated from the first electrode; and an ion conductor interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode, the ion conductor, and the second electrode collectively form a bidirectional solid-state electrochemical charge-depletion capacitor. The ion conductor is ionically conductive for mobile ions, such as Rb+, Cs+, Na+, K+, or Sr2+. The first electrode is permeable to the mobile ions and/or neutral atoms formed from the mobile ions. The system can be electrically controlled to quickly pump mobile ions into or out of the vapor-cell region. The system may further contain an atom chip, and the vapor-cell optical paths may be configured to trap a population of cold atoms. Methods of operating these vapor-cell systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic field measurement apparatus includes a first gas cell disposed in a +z direction when seen from an object to be measured, a second gas cell disposed in the +z direction when seen from the first gas cell, a first measurement unit which measures a component of a magnetic field in the first gas cell, a second measurement unit which measures a component of a magnetic field in the second gas cell, a magnetic field generation unit which generates the magnetic field toward the second gas cell so as to reduce the component measured by the second measurement unit, and an output unit which outputs a signal in response to the difference in the components respectively measured by the first measurement unit and second measurement unit.

Abstract: An optically pumped magnetometer includes: a modulation unit which allows rectangular wave modulation to an angle of a polarization plane of probe light; a detector for detecting a change of the angle of the polarization plane of the probe light transmitted through a cell; and a differential circuit for obtaining a difference in light intensity between components separated by a polarization splitter. Thus, both a reduction of a light intensity noise of the probe light and a separation and reduction of a noise defined by an inverse of a frequency in a low frequency area can be achieved.

Abstract: A manufacturer of gas cells performs an arrangement process of arranging solid substances at positions corresponding to holes each of which is provided on each of a plurality of cells. Then, the manufacturer of the gas cells performs an accommodation process of accommodating gas in inner spaces of the cells through an air flow path connected to the holes. Further, the manufacturer of the gas cells performs a sealing process of sealing the spaces by melting the solid substances to close the holes corresponding to the solid substances.

Abstract: A beam that passes through a plurality of gas cells a number of times is led to a deflection meter from a light ejecting section, detection of a deflected surface angle is performed and a strength of a magnetic field is measured by a structure in which the plurality of the gas cells is arranged along a light beam between two reflection units or light concentrating units that have a light beam incidence section and a light beam ejecting section and are opposite to each other, and a laser beam that is incident from the light beam incidence section passes through the plurality of the gas cells and then is multiply reflected by both reflection units.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a sensor system. The system includes a cell system comprising a pump laser configured to generate a pump beam to polarize alkali metal particles enclosed within a sensor cell. The system also includes a detection system comprising a probe laser configured to generate a probe beam. The detection system can also be configured to calculate at least one measurable parameter based on characteristics of the probe beam passing through the sensor cell resulting from precession of the polarized alkali metal particles in response to an applied magnetic field. The system further includes an AC Stark shift control system configured to frequency-modulate the pump beam and to control a center frequency of a frequency-modulated pump beam based on the characteristics of the probe beam passing through the sensor cell to substantially stabilize and mitigate the effects of AC Stark shift on the at least one measurable parameter.

Abstract: A magnetometer is provided comprising an atomic vapor in an enclosure, a source of light for preparing the vapor into a state exhibiting electromagnetically induced transparency, a first laser beam passing through the atomic vapor, a phase detector for detecting changes in phase of the first laser beam, and a controller which controls the light source and laser beam and receives the information detected by the phase detector in order to compute from those changes in phase a magnetic field strength in the presence of a selected background magnetic field of at least 0.001 T. Operation in the presence of a background field helps make this magnetometer suitable for diagnostic imaging applications.

Abstract: A gas cell semiconductor chip assembly includes a gas cell including an alkali gas stored therein and a first semiconductor chip including a first resistive heating loop at a location corresponding to the gas cell to heat the gas cell and a second resistive heating loop around an outer perimeter of the first resistive heating loop. The second resistive heating loop is configured to cancel a magnetic field of the first resistive heating loop based on a current flowing through the first and second resistive heating loops.

Abstract: A magnetometer and concomitant magnetometry method comprising emitting light from a light source, via a pulse generator pulsing light from the light source, directing the pulsed light to an atomic chamber, employing a field sensor in the atomic chamber, and via a signal processing module receiving a signal from the field sensor.

Abstract: A magnetic sensing method comprises irradiating a pump light having a circularly polarized component and a probe light having a linearly polarized component onto a group of atoms contained in a cell so as to make the lights produce an intersection region and detecting a change of rotation angle of a plane of polarization of the probe light before and after passing the cell. The pump light and the probe light are irradiated in a state where a magnetic field of the direction in which the pump light strikes the intersection region is provided with a gradient.

Abstract: A magnetometer and method of use is presently disclosed. The magnetometer has at least one sensor void of extraneous metallic components, electrical contacts and electrically conducting pathways. The sensor contains an active material vapor, such as an alkali vapor, that alters at least one measurable parameter of light passing therethrough, when in a magnetic field. The sensor may have an absorptive material configured to absorb laser light and thereby activate or heat the active material vapor.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) gyroscope system. The system includes a gyro cell that is sealed to enclose an alkali metal vapor, a first gyromagnetic isotope, a second gyromagnetic isotope, and a third gyromagnetic isotope. The system also includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a substantially uniform magnetic field that is provided through the gyro cell to cause the first, second, and third gyromagnetic isotopes to precess. The system further includes an angular rotation sensor configured to measure a rotation angle about a sensitive axis of the NMR gyroscope system based on measured precession angles of the first, second, and third gyromagnetic isotopes.

Abstract: An atomic magnetometer includes a cell containing an atomic group, a pump light source, a probe light source, a mirror, and a detector. The cell is disposed between the pump light source and the mirror and between the probe light source and the detector. A pump beam emitted from the pump light source is circularly polarized light. The pump beam passes through the cell and is reflected by the mirror and then passes through the cell again. The probe beam emitted from the probe light source is linearly polarized light. An optical path of the probe beam is parallel to the plane of incidence of the pump beam and is also parallel to the surface of the mirror. The optical path of the probe beam crosses the optical path of the pump beam in the cell. The probe beam which has passed through the cell enters the detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a material for the construction of external coverings accessible by humans or animals. It aims to increase the breakdown voltage between a high voltage VRF, high frequency source of energy and the human or animal, by adaptation of materials and structures. According to an embodiment of the invention, a structure is provided for the cover 18 used in MRI or NMR systems, which carries a greater proportion Vs of the voltage VRF across itself, thereby reducing the voltage Vg across the gap 22 and reducing the likelihood of breakdown.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a polarization filter and a polarization analyzer. The polarization filter comprises a first polarization axis. The polarization analyzer comprises a second polarization axis. The polarization filter is configured to polarize detection light for a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) cell along the first polarization axis. The polarization analyzer is configured to receive the detection light from the NMR cell and pass a portion of the detection light to a processor for determination of angular rate information. The portion of the detection light passed to the processor is based on an orientation of the second polarization axis relative to the first polarization axis. The orientation is selected to maximize a signal-to-noise ratio of the detection light.

Abstract: A polarizing apparatus has a thermally conductive partitioning system in a polarizing cell. In the polarizing region, this thermally conductive partitioning system serves to prevent the elevation of the temperature of the polarizing cell where laser light is maximally absorbed to perform the polarizing process. By employing this partitioning system, increases in laser power of factors of ten or more can be beneficially utilized to polarize xenon. Accordingly, the polarizing apparatus and the method of polarizing 129Xe achieves higher rates of production.

Abstract: An atomic magnetometer that simultaneously achieves high sensitivity, simple fabrication and small size. This design is based on a diverging (or converging) beam of light that passes through an alkali atom vapor cell and that contains a distribution of beam propagation vectors. The existence of more than one propagation direction permits longitudinal optical pumping of atomic system and simultaneous detection of the transverse atomic polarization. The design could be implemented with a micro machined alkali vapor cell and light from a single semiconductor laser. A small modification to the cell contents and excitation geometry allows for use as a gyroscope.

Abstract: A method of generating a single photon, includes preparing an optical resonator including a resonator mode of a resonance angular frequency ?c, preparing a material contained in the optical resonator, including a low energy state |g> and a high energy state |e>, and including a transition angular frequency ?a between |g>?|e> that is varied by an external field, applying, to the material, light of an angular frequency ?l different from the resonance angular frequency ?c, and applying a first external field to the material to vary the transition angular frequency ?a to resonate with the angular frequency ?l, such that a state of the material is changed to |e>, and then applying a second external field to the material to vary the transition angular frequency ?a to resonate with the resonance angular frequency ?c, such that the state of the material is restored to |g>.

Abstract: A vessel for rare-gas filling is provided that is capable of realizing a substantially completely circularly polarized light state in the vessel by using a single crystal material for a light entrance window. To this end, the thickness and the crystal axis orientation of the single crystal material are optimized. A polarization method of rare-gas nucleus using such a vessel is also provided. Embodiment of the vessel and the polarization method include those in which (1) an alkali resistance is high, (2) a pressure resistance is high, (3) no permeation of 3He occurs, and (4) a neutron absorption corresponds to applications to basic science, for example, neutron scattering is negligible. The vessel for rare-gas filling includes a vessel body and a pipe connected to the vessel body for introducing a rare-gas containing gas and an alkali metal into the vessel body.

Abstract: A beamsplitter is arranged to split an incident laser beam into a pump beam and a detection beam. The pump beam passes through the beam splitter and then reflects from a pair of mirrors to a quarter waveplate into an NMR cell. After passing through the NMR cell, the pump beam reflects from a mirror to a first photodetector. The detection beam reflects from the beam splitter and propagates on a path perpendicular to the path of the pump beam through the NMR cell. After passing through the NMR cell, the detection beam is incident upon a polarizer. The polarized portion of the detection beam then is incident upon a photodetector. Electrical signals output from the first and second photodetectors may then be processed to determine the rotation rate of the NMR cell about a sensing axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a polarizing process involving a number of steps. The first step requires moving a flowing mixture of gas, the gas at least containing a polarizable nuclear species and vapor of at least one alkali metal, with a transport velocity that is not negligible when compared with the natural velocity of diffusive transport. The second step is propagating laser light in a direction, preferably at least partially through a polarizing cell. The next step is directing the flowing gas along a direction generally opposite to the direction of laser light propagation. The next step is containing the flowing gas mixture in the polarizing cell. The final step is immersing the polarizing cell in a magnetic field. These steps can be initiated in any order, although the flowing gas, the propagating laser and the magnetic field immersion must be concurrently active for polarization to occur.

Abstract: Providing: quickly brining a vapor cell 119 to a desired temperature when retaining the heat of the vapor cell 119 to enhance the magnetic field detection performance of an optically pumped magnetometer; preventing adherence of atoms in the vapor cell 119 to a laser irradiation light passing-through part of the vapor cell 119; downsizing the periphery of the vapor cell 119; and suppressing the effect of a magnetic field from a heater used to retain the heat of the vapor cell 119.

Abstract: An integral microfluidic device includes an alkali vapor cell and microfluidic channel, which can be used to detect magnetism for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Small magnetic fields in the vicinity of the vapor cell can be measured by optically polarizing and probing the spin precession in the small magnetic field. This can then be used to detect the magnetic field of in encoded analyte in the adjacent microfluidic channel. The magnetism in the microfluidic channel can be modulated by applying an appropriate series of radio or audio frequency pulses upstream from the microfluidic chip (the remote detection modality) to yield a sensitive means of detecting NMR and MRI.

Abstract: A method for creating a magnetic resonance image of an object with at least a first species and a second species, wherein the first species has a first T2 time and the second species has a second T2 time longer than the first T2 time is provided. An excitation with an ultra short echo time using a pulse is provided, comprising a first subpulse that creates a transverse magnetization component for the first species and the second species and a second subpulse that creates a transverse magnetization for the first species and substantially returns the second species to a longitudinal axis, wherein the transverse magnetization component substantially decays for the first species during an interval between the first subpulse and the second subpulse. At least one echo is read. A magnetic resonance image is created from the at least one echo.

Abstract: An apparatus for hyperpolarizing atomic nuclei through optical pumping has a cylindrical optical pumping cell having an inlet and an outlet spaced therefrom. A supply of a mixture of optically pumpable species and hyperpolarizable nuclei is connected to the inlet of the cell. A nozzle at an inlet of the optical pumping cell forms and injects a jet flow of the mixture into the optical pumping cell. It is then drawn out through the outlet such that the mixture touches the inner walls of the optical pumping cell only adjacent the outlet.

Abstract: An composition exhibiting a desired value of magnetic susceptibility, which can be used to fabricate components in an NMR device, and method thereof, wherein the composition comprises a metal ion selected from the group consisting of Gd+3, Fe+3 and Mn+2 and an amorphous material using a ligand or chelating agent to solubilize the metal ion throughout the marphous material, wherein the magnetic susceptibility of the composition exhibits a desired value at cryogenic temperatures such as nearly zero susceptibility at temperatures at or below 77° K.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) system and method for generating information about an object is provided. The MR system comprises at least one MR detector configured to sense a plurality of signals within a shielded environment and a digitizing circuit configured for digitizing the analog signals to generate digital signals. The MR detector, digitizing circuit is located within a shielded environment. The system further comprises a first transmission element configured for transmitting the plurality of digital signals to a plurality of electronic devices.

Abstract: A cell in one example comprises an alkali metal and a coating of parylene on an interior surface of the cell. In one implementation, the alkali metal may be an optically pumped gaseous phase of an alkali metal. The parylene coating minimizes interaction of the excited state of the alkali metal, increases lifetime of the excited state, and minimizes interaction of nuclear spin states with the cell walls.

Abstract: An Abstract was inadvertently omitted from the original filing of the application back on May 28, 2003, and we ask that you kindly add the following paragraph at the end of the application: “The method of isolating faults internal to, for example, from tonic integrated circuits by diverting a portion of certain input and output signals to integrated photo detectors. By analyzing the admitted optical signal in each of plural photo detectors, falls within the circuit can be isolated.

Abstract: There is disclosed an NMR cell system for supercritical fluid measurements. This cell system has an NMR cell in which convection is prevented. A reactive gas and a reactive liquid can be smoothly introduced into the NMR cell. The oxygen (air) inside the NMR cell can be removed before measurement. The NMR cell system comprises a cylindrical cell, a cell holder, and an external pumping system. The cylindrical cell and the cell holder are made of a nonmagnetic material that withstands high temperatures, high pressures, and strong acidity. A pipe is mounted inside the cell holder to connect the external pumping system into the cell. A high-pressure cell for use with an NMR spectrometer is also disclosed. This high-pressure cell comprises a pressure-proof cell for receiving a sample, a pressure transfer tube for transmitting pressure to the sample in the cell, and a coupling portion for coupling together the pressure-proof cell and the tube.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining a signal from optically pumped magnetometers are described in which a broadband self-oscillation magnetometer (31, 37) is coupled to an absorption cell (32, 40) in such a way that the self-oscillating magnetometer has the function of a voltage-controlled oscillator.

Abstract: An atomic frequency standard cell having low helium permeability includes first and second windows sealed by fusible annular gaskets to sealing surfaces defined by a tubular cylindrical body. One of the windows defines an opening, and a fill tube is sealed the window adjacent the opening by a tube gasket. The gaskets are made of a lower softening point glass such as borosilicate glass, and the body, windows and fill tube are formed of a higher softening point glass such as aluminosilicate glass. The assembly is sealed together by heating it to a temperature that causes the gaskets to fuse and seal the adjacent components together.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an improved microwave cavity resonator and internal magnetic shield of small design for use with an atomic frequency standard.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope which derives angular rotation thef from the phases of precessing nuclear moments utilizes a single-resonance cell situated in the center of a uniform DC magnetic field. The field is generated by current flow through a circular array of coils between parallel plates. It also utilizes a pump and readout beam and associated electronics for signal processing and control. Encapsulated in the cell for sensing rotation are odd isotopes of Mercury Hg.sup.199 and Hg.sup.201. Unpolarized intensity modulated light from a pump lamp is directed by lenses to a linear polarizer, quarter wave plate combination producing circularly polarized light. The circularly polarized light is reflected by a mirror to the cell transverse to the field for optical pumping of the isotopes. Unpolarized light from a readout lamp is directed by lenses to another linear polarizer.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope which derives angular rotation thef from the phases of precessing nuclear moments utilizes a single-resonance cell situated in the center of a uniform DC magnetic field. The field is generated by current flow through a circular array of coils between parallel plates. It also utilizes a pump and read-out beam and associated electronics for signal processing and control. Encapsulated in the cell for sensing rotation are odd isotopes of Mercury Hg.sup.199 and Hg.sup.201. Unpolarized intensity modulated light from a pump lamp is directed by lenses to a linear polarizer, quarter wave plate combination producing circularly polarized light. The circularly polarized light is reflected by a mirror to the cell transverse to the field for optical pumping of the isotopes. Unpolarized light from a readout lamp is directed by lenses to another linear polarizer.

Abstract: An improved microwave cavity resonator for use in vapor-cell atomic frequency standards. The resonator comprises a generally-rectangular hollow metallic body designed to support the TE.sub.101 mode of standing wave. A dielectric element is positioned within the cavity to concentrate electro-magnetic field so that a compact design is achieved and so that a preselected, substantially uniform magnetic field will be coupled into an alkali metal vapor absorption cell within the resonator. Means are provided for mounting elements of an excitation circuit to preferentially excite the desired TE.sub.101 mode.

Abstract: An optical-physics package used in an atomic frequency standard is miniaturized and the performance thereof improved. The optical-physics package includes a microwave cavity in which is positioned a filter cell and an absorption cell, preferably located in close physical proximity to one another. The microwave cavity may double as an oven, and is preferably designed to operate in the TE111 mode with "E" probe microwave coupling. Dielectric loading is provided by the filter cell and absorption cell to reduce the internal dimensions of the microwave cavity.

Abstract: A compact resonant cavity with a substantially uniform magnetic field in the cavity is formed by lumped resonantly loading a rectangular primary cavity. The lumped capacitive load is produced by forming secondary cavities on opposite sides of the rectangular primary cavity. The component resonant cavity is designed for applications in atomic frequency standards.