Electromagnetic imaging with atomic magnetometers: applications in security and surveillance

Abstract

We give an overview of our research programme on the use of atomic magnetometers to detect and image concealed conductive objects via electromagnetic induction. The extreme sensitivity of atomic magnetometers at low frequency, several orders of magnitude higher than a coil-based system of similar size, allows for their operation in such a frequency range, thus permitting deep penetration through different barriers. This overcomes the limitations usually associated with electromagnetic detection. Applications in security and surveillance are discussed.