Method and system for operating an atomic clock with alternating-polarization light

A system for operating an atomic clock comprising:

• means for generating atoms in the vapor phase or in an atomic beam within a region of weak external magnetic field;
• and
• means for exciting hyperfine transitions in the atoms by pumping them with light of alternating polarization, characterized by photon spin that alternates in direction at a hyperfine frequency of the atoms at the location of the atoms.

A system for operating an atomic clock comprising:

• a cell of alkali metal vapor;
• means for applying light of alternating polarization to said cell to excite hyperfine transitions of atoms of said vapor.

A method for operating magnetometer comprising the steps of:

• generating atoms in the vapor phase or in an atomic beam within a region of magnetic field to be measured and exciting hyperfine transitions in the atoms by pumping them with light of alternating circular polarization characterized by photon spin that alternates in direction at a hyperfine frequency of the atoms at the location of the atoms.

A system for operating a magnetometer comprising:

• means for generating atoms in the vapor phase or in an atomic beam within a region of weak external magnetic field;
• and
• means for exciting hyperfine transitions in the atoms by pumping them with light of alternating polarization, characterized by photon spin that alternates in direction at a hyperfine frequency of the atoms at the location of the atoms.