Magneto-Optical Ceramics with High Transparency for Highly Sensitive Magnetometer via Quantum Weak Measurement.

ABSTRACT

Sensitive magnetometer technology is desirable for biomagnetic field detection and geomagnetic field measuring. Signal amplification materials such as magneto-optical crystals or ceramics are crucial for enhancing detection sensitivity, but severe optical scattering and low Verdet constant further limit its application. To develop high-sensitivity magnetometers for quantum weak measurement schemes, we have conducted investigations on the powder calcining dynamics and prepared a series of high-optical-quality (Ho/Dy)2Zr2O7 transparent ceramic samples. The Verdet constant of magneto-optical materials was measured across a continuous wavelength spectrum, exhibiting a peak at 283 ± 5 rad/(T·m). We further established an electron transition mechanism to elucidate the exceptional magneto-optical attributes of dysprosium. In addition, samples demonstrated superior performance in weak-value amplification, reaching a low detectable magnetic field threshold of 3.5 × 10-8 T and continuously worked over 6 h with high stability. Our work developed a highly sensitive magnetometer using optimized magneto-optical ceramics and provided guidance on design, fabrication, and application for magneto-optical ceramics in quantum weak measurement.