Parallel fluxgate magnetometers

Abstract

This chapter gives a brief overview of parallel fluxgate development, technology and performance. Starting from theoretical background through derivation of fluxgate gating curves, the fluxgate sensor is explained on its typical examples, including sensors with rod-, ring- and race-track core. The effects of geometry, construction and magneticmaterial treatment on parallelfluxgate noise are discussed in detail–noise levels as low as 2 pTrms·Hz−0.5 are possible with state-of-the-art devices. Basic applications of fluxgate magnetometers are given and a quick overview of commercial devices is presented, concludedwith recent advances in bulk,miniature, digital and aerospace devices.