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This research aims to provide a clear framework for analyzing the frequency response of optically pumped magnetometers.

March 5, 2026Journal of Applied Physics0 citationsOpen Access

Derivation of bandwidth and filter characteristics of various types of optically pumped magnetometers

TSThomas SchönauLeibniz Institute of Photonic Technology TSTheo ScholtesLeibniz Institute of Photonic Technology RSRonny StolzLeibniz Institute of Photonic Technology

Key Points

This research aims to provide a clear framework for analyzing the frequency response of optically pumped magnetometers.
Utilized Bloch equations to model frequency response.
Analyzed different types of optically pumped magnetometers including Mx, Mz, Bell–Bloom, and RF.
Considered both modulated and unmodulated zero-field OPMs.
Identified significant deviations in frequency response from first-order filter behavior.
Demonstrated that the operational regimes affect the performance of different magnetometer types.
Established a unified analytical framework for better understanding these devices.

Abstract

We present a unified and easy-to-follow analytical framework based on the Bloch equations for deriving the small-signal frequency response of several common types of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs). These include the Mx, light-shift dispersed Mz, Bell–Bloom, and RF (radio-frequency) types, as well as the class of unmodulated zero-field OPMs. It is shown that, depending on the operating regime, the frequency response of some of these magnetometers deviates significantly from the commonly assumed first-order filter behavior.

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