Various embodiments include a fiber optic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensor tool device and systems. One such tool includes a permanent magnet that generates a static magnetic field. A transmit antenna in the tool can operate to transmit a time-varying signal that is orthogonal to the static magnetic field. A fiber optic sensor element includes a coating that phase modulates a light signal traveling in the fiber when the coating is exposed to a varying field (e.g., a received, reflected magnetic field corresponding to the transmitted time-varying signal). The coating may be one of a magnetostrictive coating or a piezoelectric coating. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
