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Review
. 2015 Nov 11;15(11):28340-66.
doi: 10.3390/s151128340.

Magnetic Sensors Based on Amorphous Ferromagnetic Materials: A Review

Carlos Morón  1 , Carolina Cabrera  2 , Alberto Morón  3 , Alfonso García  4 , Mercedes González  5
Affiliations
Review

Magnetic Sensors Based on Amorphous Ferromagnetic Materials: A Review

Carlos Morón et al. Sensors (Basel). .

Abstract

Currently there are many types of sensors that are used in lots of applications. Among these, magnetic sensors are a good alternative for the detection and measurement of different phenomena because they are a "simple" and readily available technology. For the construction of such devices there are many magnetic materials available, although amorphous ferromagnetic materials are the most suitable. The existence in the market of these materials allows the production of different kinds of sensors, without requiring expensive manufacture investments for the magnetic cores. Furthermore, these are not fragile materials that require special care, favouring the construction of solid and reliable devices. Another important feature is that these sensors can be developed without electric contact between the measuring device and the sensor, making them especially fit for use in harsh environments. In this review we will look at the main types of developed magnetic sensors. This work presents the state of the art of magnetic sensors based on amorphous ferromagnetic materials used in modern technology: security devices, weapon detection, magnetic maps, car industry, credit cards, etc.

Keywords: amorphous ribbons; amorphous wire; bistability; ferromagnetic material; magnetic core; magnetic sensor; magnetoimpedance; magnetometer; security system; weapon detectors.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Susceptibility (a) and sensitivity (b) variation with applied stress.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sensitivity vs. dynamic range.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Torque sensor.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Sensor used as anti-aircraft position system with a multivibrator bridge (MVB).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Current sensor based on material length variation with magnetic direction.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Sensor based on a Young modulus change.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Magnetometer sensor with single core [20].
Figure 8
Figure 8
Signal of each core without external field applied.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Signal of each core applying an external field.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Schematic view of two-axis sensor unit. 1: Amorphous disc. 2/3: Orthogonal primary coils. 4/5: Orthogonal pick-up coils [21].
Figure 11
Figure 11
Bistable samples: (a) hysteresis loop; (b) Minor loop.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Magnetization, applied magnetic field and anisotropy direction.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Resistance bridge with conductive bands forming a 90° angle between them.
Figure 14
Figure 14
LVDT experimental set-up.
Figure 15
Figure 15
Electronic diagram.
Figure 16
Figure 16
Density sensor [60].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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