Optically Pumped Atomic Magnetometers and Atomic Clocks

Dr. Peter Schwindt is a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories and has been engaged in optical and atomic physics research since 1997 with an emphasis in applying the principles of atomic physics to sensing and timing problems. One of his primary focus areas is OPMs, developing techniques to both miniaturize them and improve their sensitivity and bandwidth. Since 2007, he led a project to develop OPMs for application to MEG. Dr. Schwindt has also worked on multiple atomic clock projects, developing trapped Yb ion microwave and optical clocks, focusing on techniques for miniaturization and low-power-consumption while maintaining excellent long-term frequency stability. Dr. Schwindt has also led a project to miniaturize and extend the dynamic range of an atom interferometer accelerometer while developing a photonic-integrated-circuit-based laser system. Prior to coming to Sandia National Laboratories in 2006, Dr. Schwindt worked as a National Research Council post-doctoral fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. His research there focused on the development of chip-scale atomic clocks and magnetometers. He received his Ph.D. in 2003 from the University of Colorado at Boulder. 

Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.