Presentation of the Prototype of an Automated DIFlux

摘要

Recently, we developed the first prototype of an automated DIFlux. This instrument performs absolute measurements of the geomagnetic field orientation (declination and inclination), without requiring the intervention of a human operator, nor maintenance. New possibilities are offered to the geomagnetic surface observatories, which may be completely automated in the near future. This may be particularly important for measurements in locations that are difficult to access, such as remote areas and the seafloor, hence improving the distribution of observations on the Earth's surface. Obviously, the instrument itself should not disturb the field to be measured. In this context, automation is a big challenge because several key elements, like the sensors, the motors, the angular encoders and the electronic circuits, contain generally ferromagnetic elements and conduct electrical currents, which may disturb the observations. Solutions to carry out the operations of sensor rotation, precise electronic reading of the angles and automatic orientation in the reference frame (determined by the local horizontal plane and geographic North) without disturbing the magnetic field will be exposed.