2010/11/28

FITM HSM2 SQUID-Based Spinner Ma

F.I.T. Messtechnik GmbH

FITM Homepage Products HFD SQUID-Based Field Distribution Measuring System HSM2 SQUID-Based Spinner Magnetometer HM 2 SQUID Magnetometer HMT Unshielded SQUID Magnetometer System BPC 3.5 Bolometer Mount News HTS SQUIDs Mail

HSM2 SQUID-Based Spinner Magnetometer

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Introduction
Spinner magnetometers can be used to measure the remanent magnetization of rock and sediment samples. Such samples contain ferrimagnetic materials in only small concentrations. Highly sensitive magnetometers are required to measure such samples. SQUIDs (Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices) are the most sensitive magnetometers in the world. We, F.I.T. Messtechnik GmbH, introduced the first high-T c SQUID-based Spinner Magnetometer worldwide. Using SQUIDs allows for very low spinning rates and there is no dependence of the output voltage on the spinning rate. The magnetometer is easy to handle so that it can be operated even by inexperienced persons.

Operating Principle
Figure 1 shows the block diagram of the HSM2 Spinner Magnetometer. This magnetometer converts variations of the magnetic field caused by a spinning sample fixed on a shaft near to a sensor into voltage variations. In this case, a high-Tc SQUID is used as the sensor. The extraordinary advantages of this SQUID Spinner Magnetometer include Highest sensitivity: typical intrinsic noise down to about 3x10 -7 A/m=3x10-10 emu/cm3 Low spinning rate SQUID output voltage is independent from the spinning rate Vibration-free motor for quiet operation
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Figure 1: Block Diagram The output voltage amplitude of the SQUID Control Unit and therefore of the SQUID sensor is proportional to the component of the magnetic moment which is perpendicular to the rotation axis. The phase of the ac voltage is used to relate the direction of the measured component to a reference direction marked on the sample. The overall vector can be determined by successive rotation about at least two axes. In practice, however, the sample is mostly rotated successively around three or even six axes to reduce measurement errors. The used lock-in amplifier is part of the PC and allows for phase-synchronous output voltage reading of the SQUID Control Unit HM2U. The reference signal for the lock-in amplifier is generated by an opto-electronic coupler built into the motor unit and is synchronous to the rotation. The phase difference between the reference signal and the SQUID output voltage is proportional to the angle of the measured magnetization and a defined 'zero'-direction of the system.

Mechanical
During measurement the SQUID needs to be cooled by liquid nitrogen while the sample is kept at room temperature. This requires a special cryostat which minimizes the spacing between the SQUID and the sample. The glass dewar used in this equipment provides for this. As a further advantage it does not magnetically affect the sensor. To avoid contamination, the sample rotates within a non-magnetic vessel that can be easily removed especially for cleaning purposes.The HSM2 Spinner Magnetometer uses our HS01 RF SQUID chip containing a magnetic flux focuser, which is also made of superconducting material. Because remanence measurements require field-free operating conditions, the sensor chip and sample are housed within four -metal cylinders that provide highly efficient shielding. An additional aluminium shield provides mechanical stability. The rotation unit is mounted outside of the shield on a manually shifted stage. The non-magnetic sample holder which can be easily changed is driven by a precision stepper motor ensuring vibration-free operation and highly reproducable measuring results. The LN2 level is permanently checked giving a low level state warning signal. Thus a damage of the sensor is avoided.
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The sample rotates at only 5 Hz permitting for example the measuring of sediments without too high mechanical stress on the samples. The HSM2 is fully adapted to the rough everyday laboratory environment. It combines ruggedness with compact design and ease of handling.

PC Operation
The measurements are PC-controlled and menu driven. The system consists of a readily configured IBM compatible personal computer which controls all functions of the spinner magnetometer, i.e. motor, SQUID and computing of the magnetization vector. During the measurements, magnitude and phase of the sensor signal can be permanently monitored on a graphical display. The measurement results can be displayed as a Zijderveld diagram or as a stereographic projection. The PC can output all diagrams using the printer delivered with the system. The software does not require special system configurations and runs under MS-DOS. It is easy to handle since all measuring relevant functions can be activated by mouseclicks or hotkeys.

The HSM at work - Descriptions in the web:

Professor John Shaw of the Geomagnetism Laboratory at the University of Liverpool (UK) has tested and uses the HSM SQUID-Based Spinner Magnetometer.

Option for the HSM2 SQUID-Based Spinner Magnetometer:

ARS Automatic Refill System for liquid nitrogen (LN2)
Order* the ARS Automatic Refill System together with the HSM2 SQUID-Based Spinner Magnetometer and you can operate the HSM2 for more than 30 days without manual LN2 refill! The ARS includes: 100 l LN2 can: LN2 level meter; Pressure control (0.5 bar) LN2 siphon: 3/8" magnetic valve; Isolated PTFE transfer pipe; Vent valve (manual) HSM-LN2 level sensor and control unit Software for control by the PC incorporated into the HSM2

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Figure 2: HSM2 system setup including ARS

For details and specifications please do not hesitate to contact:

Michael Broderick (Sales Department) J. Peter Kallmeyer (Technical Department) FINO AG Am Flugplatz 13 D-31137 Hildesheim Germany Phone: +49(0)-5121-28929-0 Fax: +49(0)-5121-28929 -66 e-mail: finoag@finoag.com

For customers in the USA and Canada please contact ASC Scientific for further information! Top of this pageOperating PrincipleMechanical
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Most recent revision 5 October 2001

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