A modular magneto-inductive sensor for low vector magnetic field measurements

The low magnetic field measurement has been utilized since ancient times in order to find economic resources, to detect magnetic anomalies, etc. In this case, the vector magnetic survey can simultaneously obtain the modulus and direction information of the magnetic field, which can contribute to obtaining more precise information and characteristics of magnetic field resources. This paper is concerned with the potential to exploit the signals of vector magnetic field measurement with a magneto-inductive (MI) sensor. To evaluate the capability of the MI sensor, a test platform is set up and its performance, including the noise floor, the resolution, and the sensitivity, is comprehensively characterized. Furthermore, a comparative geomagnetic observation and magnetic anomaly detection among the proposed MI sensor, a high-precision Overhauser sensor, and a commonly used and accepted commercial MI sensor are conducted. The experimental results identify the capability of the proposed MI sensor in weak magnetic detection.