Metglas-Enhanced Tube-Topology Magnetoelectric Magnetic Field Sensor

Significant enhancement (160%) in sensitivity is demonstrated for an improved version of the quasi-1-D magnetoelectric (ME) magnetic field sensor design that employs the use of Metglas ribbons. The original device, which previously reported highest zero external biased sensitivity, has been improved upon to exhibit a zero-biased sensitivity of 7.43 mV/Oe when stimulated with a low frequency of 25 Hz and magnetic reference field of 10 mOe. In this improved design, Metglas ribbons are bonded to the exterior of the piezoelectric tube element to provide an increase in strain generation which in effect yields greater direct ME response and, therefore, higher sensitivity. Comparison is made between original and Metglas-enhanced devices.