Rb Magnetometer Evaluation for nEDM Experiment – UROP Spring Symposium 2021

Rb Magnetometer Evaluation for nEDM Experiment

Daniel Colleran

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Pronouns: He / Him

Research Mentor(s): Timothy Chupp, Professor
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Physics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 5 (3pm-3:50pm)
Breakout Room: Room 15
Presenter: 8

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Abstract

The neutron electric dipole moment (nEDM) experiment at Los Alamos National Laboratory will require the magnetometers to monitor the temporal change of the magnetic field and gradient of the magnetic field in the apparatus with precision of 50 femtoTesla (fT) and 100 fT/15cm, respectively. We evaluate commercial rubidium based magnetometers as candidates for use in the experiment by investigating their clock frequency bias, internal noise, and gradient drift sensitivity. We make these measurements in our lab with an apparatus consisting of three magnetometers linearly spaced, and parallel to the axis of a solenoid surrounding them. The solenoid produces a uniform magnetic field and is surrounded by a two or three layer magnetic shield. Measurements from all three magnetometers are used to gather the individual magnetometer readings, difference of pairs, average of three, first order gradients, and second order gradients. These metrics are evaluated with Allan Deviation studies to quantify their stability. QuSpin’s Total-Field Magnetometer (QTFM) shows promising results because its clock frequency bias is negligible, and it has a field sensitivity below 40 fT when averaged over 10 seconds. Additionally, we plan to evaluate custom magnetometers from Twinleaf, LLC.

Authors: Danny Colleran, Felicity Hills, Timothy Chupp
Research Method: Experimental Research

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