Force Detected Magnetic Field Gradiometer

Reference#: P01559

Apparatus and method for detecting and quantifying magnetic field gradients by measuring the magnetic force acting on a mechanical oscillator with an attached spin-containing material (any material that displays a magnetic moment in the presence of a magnetic field) having a modulated magnetic moment with a temporal response that matches the resonance frequency of the mechanical oscillator. Modulation of the magnetic moment in the direction of the measurement is achieved by the action of a spatially uniform polarizing field with a temporal response that matches the resonance frequency of the mechanical oscillator.

Patent Status: U.S. patent(s) 6853187 issued.