Single Point Gradiometer for Planetary Applications

Author

Mesa, Jose Luis ; Diaz Michelena, Marina ; Ciudad, David ; Schoenthal, Whitney ; McHenry, Michael E. ; Maicas, Marco ; Aroca, Claudio

Author_Institution

Inst. Nac. de Tcnica Aerosp., Torrejn de Ardoz, Spain

Volume

6

fYear

2015

fDate

2015

Firstpage

1

Lastpage

4

Abstract

We have designed and fabricated a microelectromechanical device, based on the alternating field gradient concept, to measure surface magnetic field gradient on planets. Its sensitivity is 4 10^-4 T/m, which is appropriate for magnetite outcrops and areas with rocks formed at different stages recording geomagnetic field reversals. We present the results obtained with three different prototypes.

Keywords

geomagnetic variations; geophysical equipment; geophysical techniques; magnetometers; micromechanical devices; rock magnetism; alternating field gradient concept; geomagnetic field reversals; magnetite outcrops; microelectromechanical device; planetary applications; single point gradiometer; surface magnetic field gradient; Amorphous magnetic materials; Magnetic field measurement; Magnetic fields; Magnetic moments; Magnetometers; Magnetosphere; Prototypes; Gradient methods; Magnetic Instrument; Magnetic instruments; Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS); Microsensors; gradient methods; microelectromechanical system; microsensors;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Magnetics Letters, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1949-307X

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/LMAG.2015.2411576

Filename

7056489