Dual-Axis Measurement and Suppression Method for Light Shift Based on a Single-Beam Compact SERF Atomic Magnetometer

A light shift in a spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) atomic magnetometer (AM) generated by detuning of circularly polarized pump light results in deviations of orthogonality measurement and attenuation of magnetometer response. In this article, we propose and systematically investigate a dual-axis method to suppress light shift based on a self-developed single-beam compact SERF AM capable of measuring magnetic field components along two orthogonal sensitive axes. By sequentially observing the non-sensitive axis response and applying a magnetic field along the pump light direction, the virtual magnetic field induced by light shift is compensated and is rigorously demonstrated as a dominant component in this direction. Experimental results show a significant reduction in crosstalk between the dual sensitive axes, improving accuracy in resonant frequency determination of 87Rb atoms and orthogonality evaluation of triaxial coils. Furthermore, the performance of dual-axis measurement in the SERF AM is tested, showing a more notable enhancement than that of single-axis measurement.