Magnetometer - definition
Magnetometer - definition
A Magnetometer is a precision measuring device used to detect and quantify the intensity and direction of the magnetic field at a given point in space. It is used in geophysical and geological research as well as in navigation, archaeology, solid state physics, materials engineering and defence and space systems. Magnetometers are classified according to their operating principle, accuracy and range of measurement dynamics.
Among the main types, a distinction is made between scalar magnetometers, which measure only the absolute value of magnetic induction, and vector magnetometers, which record all components of the field vector. Technically, magnetometers can be based on the Hall effect, magnetoresistance, superconducting Josephson phenomenon (SQUID), spin resonance (including optical) or the principles of electromagnetic induction.
Modern magnetometric systems, including MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), are characterised by high sensitivity and miniaturisation, enabling their implementation in mobile devices, localisation systems and inertial navigation. Especially advanced quantum magnetometers, using e.g. atomic interference or electron spin resonance, allow the detection of extremely weak magnetic fields - even on the order of femtotesla.
In geophysical applications, magnetometers are used to map magnetic anomalies in the Earth's crust, which aids the search for metal ores, the identification of geological structures and the detection of objects hidden beneath the surface. In experimental physics, magnetometry enables the characterisation of the magnetic properties of materials, such as magnetic susceptibility, hysteresis or phase transition temperatures in magnetic compounds.
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