Sensitivity Limits of a Magnetometer with an Air-core Pickup Coil

Abstract

Sensitivity limits of magnetometers with air-core pickup coils are considered through three basic principles, Faraday’s law, the definition of inductance and Ohm’s law. This paper presents two simple equivalent circuit models for voltage detection and current detection, and describes their sensitivity with eight parameters. Both models require different methodology for optimal pickup coil design. The calculated results are in agreement with experimental results, and illustrate the advantages of magnetometers based on current detection model.

Keywords

• Induction magnetometer
• Air-core coil
• Detection model
• Equivalent circuit
• Sensitivity limits.