I will discuss recently developed techniques for sensitive magnetometry using optically-pumped alkali-metal atoms. Atomic magnetometry methods can surpass in sensitivity liquid-helium-cooled SQUID magnetometers by operating in a regime where spin relaxation due to atomic collisions is suppressed. In combination with spin-polarized noble-gas atoms such magnetometers are ideally suited for tests of rotational invariance and searches for new spin-dependent forces. I will also review recently developed practical applications of atomic magnetometers, including measurements of brain magnetic fields, novel methods for detection of nuclear magnetic resonance, and inertial rotation sensing.

ANL Physics Division Colloquium Schedule