High sensitivity fiber-optic magnetic field sensors based on iron garnets

Ferrimagnetic iron garnet crystals form the basis of magneto-optic magnetic field sensors which offer high sensitivity, broadband frequency response, and fiber-optic compatability. Recent developments at NIST promise still greater performance for these sensors based on the magneto-optic Faraday effect. Specifically, new sensor head designs incorporating flux concentration devices and novel experimental iron garnet compositions demonstrate the potential for enhancing the sensitivity of iron garnet sensors by two to three orders of magnitude.<
>