Optically pumped magnetometer with high spatial resolution magnetic guide for the detection of magnetic droplets in a microfluidic channel

Abstract

Quantum sensors provide unprecedented magnetic field detection sensitivities, enabling these to extend the common magnetometry range of applications and environments of operation. In this framework, many applications also require high spatial resolution magnetic measurements for biomedical research, environmental monitoring and industrial production. In this regard, optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are considered as prominent candidates, but are impaired in size with micrometer scale magnetic particles, e.g. magnetic droplets. In order to address this limitation, here we study the effects of adding a micrometer-to-millimeter magnetic guide to a miniature OPM. This device is applied to detect Fe3O4 magnetic droplets flowing at rates up to 25 drop. s−1 in a microfluidic channel. The computed spatial resolution is 300 µm and the measured signal-to-noise ratio is larger than 15 dB for the different sizes of considered magnetic droplets.