Boston University

Joshua Javor

David J Bishop

Matthias Imboden

David K Campbell

A system and method of measuring a magnetic field from a source. A plurality of sensors each include a plurality of sensing elements. A first sensing element is configured to detect an intensity of the magnetic field and a second sensing element is configured to directly measure a gradient of the magnetic field. A positioned is determined, with respect to the source, where a magnitude of the magnetic field in a first direction is greatest. An orientation of the sensors is determined in a three-dimensional pattern by arranging the sensors to emphasize sensing the magnetic field in the first direction. The sensors are oriented and positioned according to the position and orientation determined. The magnetic field is measured, in the first direction, using the sensors.

MEMS magnetometer and gradiometer arrays and patterns

A system and method of effectively measuring a change in a gradient of a magnetic field. The systems include a first magnet and a second magnet mechanically coupled together and aligned along a polarization axis. The first magnet and the second magnet are positioned such that a pair of like magnetic poles of the first magnet and the second magnet face in opposite directions. Further, the first magnet and the second magnet are configured to move along the polarization axis in response to a magnetic field. A sensing system is configured to measure a change in a gradient of the magnetic field based on the movement of the first magnet and second magnet along the polarization axis in response to the magnetic field.

System and method for measuring second order and higher gradients

A gradiometer includes a at least one magnet attached to a beam. The magnet moves in response to a magnetic force. A sensing element is configured to measure movement or deflection of the beam or magnet. The gradiometer is configured to determine a gradient of a magnetic field acting on the first magnet based on movement of the magnet. The gradiometer can further measure higher order gradients.

Single point gradiometer

Single point gradiomeier

A sensing system, and method of operating same, can act as a highly sensitive gradiometer. A first non-magnetic element, such as a sphere, is driven at a first resonance frequency along an axis. A magnet is attached to a second non-magnetic element, such as a plate, and driven at a second resonance frequency along the axis. The first non-magnetic element and the second non-magnetic element are coupled by a force along the axis, in resonance. The gradiometer is configured to determine a gradient magnetic field acting on one or more of the first non-magnetic element and magnet based on change in at least one resonance characteristic.

Growing community of inventors

Cambridge, MA, United States of America

Joshua Javor