Detection of Magnetic Fluid Volume Density with a GMR Sensor

Abstract

This paper describes a new application of a spin-valve-type giant magnetoresistance sensor in the biomedical field. The hyperthermia treatment, based on the hysteresis loss of magnetite under external ac fields, requires determination of the content density of magnetite injected inside the body to control the heat capacity. We propose a low-invasive methodology to estimate the density of magnetite by measuring magnetic fields inside the cavity. For this purpose, we investigated the relationship between the density of magnetite and the magnetic fields, and developed a needle-type magnetic probe with a giant magnetoresistance sensor for low-invasive measurement. The experimental results demonstrate the possibility of estimating the density of magnetite injected into the body.