US Patent 10345396 Selected volume continuous illumination magnetometer

A system for magnetic detection, includes a magneto-optical defect center material comprising a plurality of magneto-optical defect centers, a radio frequency (RF) excitation source, an optical detector and an optical light source. The RF excitation source is configured to provide RF excitation to the material. The optical detector is configured to receive an optical signal emitted by the material. The optical light source is configured to provide optical light to the material, and includes a readout optical light source and a reset optical light source. The readout optical light source is configured to illuminate light in a first illumination volume of the material. The reset optical light source is configured to illuminate light in a second illumination volume of the material, the second illumination volume being larger than and encompassing the first illumination volume. The reset optical light source provides a higher power light than the readout optical light source.