Hybrid Magnetic Sensor Combined With a Tunnel Magnetoresistive Sensor and High-Temperature Superconducting Magnetic-Field-Focusing Plates

Magnetoresistive (MR) sensors are widely used, particularly in consumer products. However, in applications requiring extremely sensitive magnetic sensors, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) are primarily used. In this study, we develop a hybrid magnetic sensor by combining an MR sensor with two high-temperature superconducting (HTS) plates to achieve sensitivity that lies between those of MR sensors and SQUIDs. In addition, we apply a modulation method for measuring the absolute magnetic field. A nanogranular in-gap tunnel MR sensor is installed inside the slit between the magnetic-field-focusing HTS plates, and the magnetic response is evaluated. Using the magnetic-field-focusing characteristics of the HTS plates (made from YBa
₂
Cu
₃
O
_7-δ
) and the MR sensor inside the slit between the two plates, the sensitivity and noise characteristics are improved. Adjustment of parameters, such as MR sensor height from the slit, slit width of the HTS plates, and plate size allow sensitivity control depending on the application. Moreover, the absolute magnetic response and low noise in low-frequency regions are obtained through ac modulation.