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

Abstract

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. V_out shows a linear response for H_DC 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.

KEYWORDS:

• PZT-5A
• magnetoelectric
• piezoelectric
• magnetic field sensor

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to thank the Brazilian agencies funding CAPES (Procad 88881.068509/2014-01) and CNPq (procs. 308622/2013-8 and 446565/2014-8) for the financial support.