Applications of Optically Pumped Magnetometers in Fundamental Physics and Biophysics

Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) are based on alkali-metal vapor cells and lasers to manipulate atomic spins for magnetic sensing and are currently the most sensitive non-cryogenic magnetic-field sensor reaching femtoTesla sensitivity. Over the years we have used OPMs for some novel applications in fundamental physics and biophysics. In this talk, we will give an overview of the applications and present recent results. For example, we have developed new detection concepts based on OPMs to search for new fundamental bosonic particles, such as axions. Also, we have designed and constructed a single-module multichannel OPM for accelerated biomagnetic imaging, such as magneto-encephalography and magnetic resonance imaging.