Introduction
Magnetic field measurements can be used to diagnose, understand, and control many different physical systems of interest. They offer a wealth of information about the conditions of the medium being measured, allowing for a better understanding of physical or chemical processes taking place. Magnetic fields measurements are used in many different fields such as geomagnetism, paleomagnetism, archeology, oceanography, and engineering. This article will provide an overview of the purpose and techniques of magnetic field measurement and the different instruments available for the task.
Purpose
Magnetic field measurements are a powerful tool in many different fields. They offer insight into the properties and processes of an underlying system, and can help engineers, scientists, and other professionals better understand and control these systems. One particular application is in geomagnetism, where magnetic fields are used to map, analyze, and understand the Earths crust. Similarly, paleomagnetism uses magnetic fields measurements to study the Earths history and track its changes over time.
Other applications include non-destructive testing, which uses magnetic field measurements to determine the integrity of materials without actually damaging them. Magnetic fields can also be used in archeology and oceanography to investigate the properties and location of objects underwater, as well as in medical applications where they assist in diagnosing certain conditions.
Techniques
Magnetic field measurements involve the use of either single or multi-axis devices, which can be either static or vector. Static devices measure the magnitude of the magnetic field, while vector devices measure the direction of the field. One multi-axis device is a local field meter, which is used to predict an unknown magnetic field at a certain point in space. A magnetometer is another type of multi-axis device which measures the field intensity as well as its components in different directions.
In terms of instruments, three main types are used for magnetic field measurements: magnetometers, Hall-effect sensors, and fluxgates. Magnetometers measure the magnitude of the magnetic field, and are available in single- and multi-axis varieties. Hall-effect sensors measure the field components in different directions, while fluxgates measure the change in the field.
Conclusion
Magnetic field measurements are an extremely useful and powerful tool in many different fields. They offer insight into the properties and processes of underlying systems, enabling engineers, scientists, and other professionals to better understand and control them. Different instruments such as magnetometers, Hall-effect sensors, and fluxgates are used to make these measurements, offering a wealth of data about the characteristics of the medium being measured.
