Application of all-optical magnetometry for detection of weak magnetic fields generated by a current-carrying metallised track

A pump – probe configuration is used to register zero-field level-crossing resonances in Rb vapour contained in a cell with antirelaxation coated walls. The scheme is applied to detect the weak magnetic field generated by a current-carrying micro-wire (metallised track). Such micro-wires can be employed in neural prostheses and hybrid bionic systems as micro-electrode arrays. More specifically, the operation of such live micro-wire belonging to a neuronal – electrode interface is demonstrated, which indicates the possibility of remote testing of the operation (conducting/nonconducting) of micro-wires for in neural implants.