Magnetometer

see also: Etymology of Magnetometer

A magnetometer is an apparatus which is used to measure the magnetization of a system. There are various types, based on different physical principles. The principal ones are:

Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM)
Alternating Gradient Forces Magnetometer (AGFM)
Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID)

The use of one or the other type of magnetometer depends on the type of measurement which one wishes to take. All these apparatuses are able to measure magnetization according to a magnetic field, and thus to obtain cycles of hysteresis. The VSM allows very fast measurements (a few minutes for a complete cycle of hysteresis), while making it possible to position the sample according to any angle compared to the magnetic field. On the other hand the sensitivity about 1E-5 is only moved. The SQUID allows very precise measurements, with a sensitivity about 1E-7 moved. It is possible to make measurements according to the temperature, until some Kelvins only. On the other hand it is not possible to make turn the sample or the magnetic field, and measurements are very slow (it is necessary to count several hours for a complete cycle of hysteresis) The AGFM as for him allows also precise measurements of a sensitivity about 1E-6 moved and very rapids (a few minutes for a complete cycle of hysteresis).

Among the applications of the magnetometer, one must also quote the Détecteur of magnetic anomaly (MAD).

The magnetometer is used for in Astronautique knowing (and correcting) the position of a satellite compared to the Ground.

(section to be supplemented)

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