Optimized detection modality for radio-frequency sensing with a double-resonance alignment magnetometer

In this work, we present a comprehensive and comparative analysis of two detection modalities, i.e., polarization rotation and absorption measurement of light, for a double-resonance alignment magnetometer (DRAM). We derive algebraic expressions for magnetometry signals based on the description of multipole moments. Experiments are carried out using a room-temperature paraffin-coated cesium-vapor cell and measuring either the polarization rotation or absorption of the transmitted laser light. A detailed experimental analysis of the resonance spectra is performed to validate the theoretical findings for various input parameters. The results signify the use of a single isotropic relaxation rate, thus simplifying the data analysis for optimization of the DRAM. The sensitivity measurements are performed and reveal that the polarization-rotation detection mode yields larger signals and better sensitivity than absorption measurement of light. Published by the American Physical Society 2024