https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2009-00275-3
Magnetoelectric gradiometer
1
EMDL, Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
2
Automation & Robotics Research Institute, Fort Worth, TX, USA
3
Novgorod State University, Veliky Novgorod, 173003, Russia
4
EMDL, Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
Corresponding author: a vishwas@vt.edu
Received:
7
March
2009
Revised:
11
June
2009
Published online:
11
August
2009
Gradiometer resembles in functionality a sensor measuring the magnetic field gradient whose sensitivity is determined the ability to quantify change with respect to base value. Magnetoelectric (ME) gradiometer designed in this study utilizes ME composites with ring-dot piezoelectric transformer structure working near electromechanical resonance, where ring acts as the input while dot acts as the output. Magnetostrictive disc was bonded on top of the output section resembling a bilayer composite structure. The resonance frequency of sample was found to be in the range of 91–94 kHz. The generated magnetic field due to converse ME effect interacts with the externally applied magnetic field producing flux gradient which is detected through the frequency shift and output voltage change of gradiometer. The measurements clearly illustrate that the proposed design has high sensitivity and it can be used for detecting magnetic field gradient.
PACS: 85.80.JM – Magnetoelectric devices
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag, 2009