Device for Determining Small Magnetic Fields Using at Least One Squid Sensor

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This invention describes a highly sensitive device for measuring extremely small magnetic fields using at least one SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) sensor. The setup uses a cryostat with a specially shielded sample chamber made from non-magnetic materials, reducing interference from external and internal magnetic fields. A unique feature is the mechanical or pneumatic sample rotation drive made of non-magnetic materials, eliminating additional magnetic noise typically caused by electric motors. The sample position is measured optically via a fiber-optic encoder, further minimizing electrical disturbances.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Measuring extremely weak magnetic fields in advanced material science research, such as detecting net magnetization in antiferromagnetic or spintronic materials.
• Characterizing new classes of magnetic materials, including those relevant to quantum computing and next-generation memory devices.
• Biomagnetic measurements (e.g., measuring faint magnetic fields from biological samples) in a low-noise environment.
• High-precision quality control of materials where trace magnetic properties affect performance, such as medical implants or sensors.
• Academic and industrial laboratories requiring highly accurate determination of weak magnetic fields for fundamental research.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables detection of magnetic fields several orders of magnitude weaker than conventional systems (down to ~10^-13 T at 1 mm distance).
• Significantly reduces magnetic interference and measurement errors by using non-magnetic and superconducting shielding materials throughout the setup.
• Avoids electrically powered drives in the measurement chamber, eliminating extra sources of electromagnetic noise.
• Optical sample position encoding via fiber optics further minimizes signal contamination and improves data reliability.
• Cost-effective and practical alternative to large-scale facilities (like neutron or synchrotron sources) for certain advanced magnetic measurements.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device for determining small magnetic fields using a SQUID sensor. The device comprises at least one SQUID sensor (1) having a superconducting detection coil (2) and a flow control loop (13), and a cryostat (4) having a sample chamber (5). A section of the cryostat (3), in which the sample chamber is accommodated, is provided with a shielding (6). The sample chamber (5) can be rotated by means of a drive (9) from outside the cryostat (4) via a sample holder (15). A position of the rotation can be determined by means of an optical encoder (11). The cryostat (4) is arranged in a shielding chamber (17). According to the invention, the drive (9) is a drive from a group consisting of a spring drive, a weight drive, a hydrodynamic drive, a pneumatic drive and a thermodynamic drive and is made from non-magnetic materials. The embedding for the superconducting detection coil (2), the section (3) of the cryostat (4), in which the sample chamber (5) is accommodated, and the sample chamber (5) are produced from non-magnetic materials. The shielding (6) of the part of the cryostat (3), in which the sample chamber (5) is accommodated, is produced from superconducting lead and the optical encoder (11) is equipped with a light source made of a glass fiber cable (12).