Vector magnetocardiography measurement with a compact elliptically polarized laser-pumped magnetometer

Abstract

We report on a practical approach to vector biomagnetism measurement with an optically pumped magnetometer for measuring total magnetic field intensity. Its application to vector magnetocardiography is experimentally demonstrated with a compact elliptically polarized laser-pumped <i>M</i> _<i>x</i> atomic magnetometer (EPMx OPM). The approach is proved to be effective and able to provide more complete cardiac magnetic information. The cardiac magnetic vectors are displayed in three-dimensional space in the form of magnetic vector loops. The sensor configuration and the image processing method here are expected to form further values, especially for multi-channel vector biomagnetism measurement, clinical diagnosis, and field source reconstruction.