An optically pumped magnetometer includes a vapor cell; at least one light source configured to produce a pump light beam and a probe light beam; a lens disposed between the at least one light source and the vapor cell; a quarter wave plate disposed between the lens and the vapor cell; a mirror configured to receive the pump light beam and probe light beam after passing through the vapor cell and reflect the pump light beam and probe light beam back through the vapor cell, the quarter wave plate, and the lens; and at least one detector configured to receive the probe light beam reflected by the mirror.