Atomic magnetometers are compact and sensitive meters using a
combination of precision optical spectroscopy, atomic physics and techniques of micro-electro- mechanical systems(MEMS).These instruments have sensor head volumes in the range of a few cubic millimeters but are capable of sensing magnetic fields of a few picotesla per root-hertz in the earths field and as weak as 70 femtotesla per root- hertz in a shielded, low field environment. Here the design, fabrication and testing of several of these devices and propose several applications for which such instruments might be of use.