OPTICALLY PUMPED MAGNETOMETER AND MAGNETIC SENSING METHOD

A optically pumped magnetometer includes a cell filled with an alkali metal; a pump light source that generates a pump light; a probe light source that generates a probe light; a signal output unit that obtains an output signal related to magnetism, which is received by the cell, based on the probe light which has passed through the cell; a coil unit that generates a static magnetic field along a pump optical axis in a region of disposition of the cell; and a computer that controls operation of the coil unit. The computer outputs a first control signal to set an intensity of the static magnetic field to a first intensity, and a second control signal to set the intensity of the static magnetic field to a second intensity different from the first intensity.