Vektormagnetometers

A vector magnetometer is an instrument used to measure the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field. Unlike scalar magnetometers, which only measure the total strength of the magnetic field, vector magnetometers determine the field's components along specific axes, typically three orthogonal directions. This allows for a complete three-dimensional representation of the magnetic field vector.

Various technologies are employed in vector magnetometers. Some utilize Hall effect sensors, which produce a voltage proportional to the magnetic field strength passing through them. Other types might use fluxgate magnetometers, where the magnetic field influences the saturation of a ferromagnetic core, leading to detectable changes in induced voltage. Magnetoresistive sensors, such as anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) or giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors, are also common, exploiting the change in electrical resistance of a material in the presence of a magnetic field.

The primary advantage of a vector magnetometer is its ability to provide detailed information about the magnetic field. This is crucial in applications where understanding the field's orientation is as important as its strength. Examples include navigation systems, particularly in situations where the Earth's magnetic field is used for orientation, and in geophysical surveys to map subsurface magnetic anomalies. They are also employed in space science for studying planetary magnetic fields and in industrial settings for quality control and defect detection. The accuracy and precision of vector magnetometers depend on their design, sensor technology, and calibration.