A virtual instrument for the characterisation of magneto-optical materials

The scarce information relating to the magneto-optical properties of materials precludes an optimal solution in the design of new sensors and applications. A number of these properties must be accurately determined before further decisions in system design are made. Such properties must be characterized in order to select a material that enables a sensor with required sensitivity. Virtual instruments are suitable for automating such a test and measurement process, as already done in similar situations. A characterization system using a virtual instrument was developed for measuring the relevant properties of candidate materials under controlled laboratory conditions. Results indicate that the system is capable of providing measurements of Verdet constant with accuracy better than 2.5% and a resolution of 402 × 10^-6 rad.