Optically pumped vector magnetometer using a strong bias magnetic field

We present a novel approach allowing an optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) to be operated within Earth's magnetic field as a vector magnetometer whose sensitive axis can be freely defined. This approach enables the measurement of any vector component of the Earth's magnetic field with the same sensitivity. The OPM is realized by a microfabricated cesium vapor cell with nitrogen buffer gas, which is immersed into a homogeneous bias field of about 730 T. Since this bias field is about one order of magnitude stronger than Earth's magnetic field, it defines the sensitive axis of the OPM. The bias field is generated by solid-state magnets and was designed to exhibit a very low relative inhomogeneity (2 kHz. Our approach enables unshielded ultrasensitive vectorial measurement capabilities relevant in many important applications.