Probing magnetic fields by using non-contacting magnetoelectric effect-based magnetic field sensors

摘要

In this manuscript, the development and characterization of non-contacting magnetoelectric effect-based magnetic field sensors are presented and discussed. These sensors consist of rectangular piezoelectric elements (PZT5A ceramics) polarized along the width direction, with copper wire coils turned around them to generate alternating magnetic fields (h(AC)). When these sensors are immersed in a continuous magnetic field (H-DC), Lorentz forces are induced in the wires and PZT5A electrodes due to the interaction between h(AC) and H-DC. These forces transfer mechanical energy to the sensors, causing a mechanical deformation that is converted into an output extrinsic magnetoelectrical voltage (V-out) associated to the direct piezoelectric effect. Vout shows a linear response for HDC up to 1 kOe and constant h(AC). These sensors are simple and inexpensive to build, and can easily detect H-DC fields of the order of 20 Oe.