O presente trabalho trata da obtenção de ligas de NiFe de NiFeCo sob a forma de filmes finos e também no seu uso na tentativa em se construir um sensor magnético tipo fluxgate planar. A técnica de produção utilizada foi a eletrodeposição com regime galvanostático. A solução eletrolítica utilizada era constituída por sais de níquel e ferro e alguns aditivos. Para depositar os filmes de NiFe, o eletrodo auxiliar era constituído de níquel; enquanto que para depositar os filmes de NiFeCo, o eletrodo auxiliar era constituído de cobalto. Os filmes foram depositados em substratos de cobre utilizando densidades de corrente no intervalo de 4 até 28 mA/cm2, com tempos totais de 40 e 60 minutos. A caracterização morfológica foi realizada utilizando Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura superficial e de seção lateral e para encontrarmos a composição dos elementos presentes na amostra, realizamos a Espectroscopia de Energia Dispersiva e Difração de Raios-X. Quanto à caracterização magnética foi utilizado o Magnetômetro de Amostra Vibrante e também magnetometria utilizando o Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (este foi utilizado somente para os filmes de NiFeCo) como o elemento detector do equipamento. Os filmes de NiFe crescem com orientações cristalinas ao longo dos planos (110) e (200); as quantidades de níquel e ferro atingem valores constantes a partir da densidade de corrente de 15 mA/cm2 (embora sempre haja mais níquel que ferro); o ponto de menor coercividade magnética (58,4 A/m) também ocorre a partir dessa densidade de corrente, onde filmes com 1 ?m de espessura são conseguidos para um tempo total de 40 minutos. Nota-se uma assimetria para os campos aplicados perpendicular e paralelamente à superfície do filme. Os filmes de NiFeCo crescem com orientações ao longo dos planos (111) e (200). Embora sempre haja mais níquel (constante em 70%), as concentrações de Fe e Co se igualam apenas para uma densidade de corrente próxima de 15mA/cm2. Abaixo desse valor há mais ferro, e acima mais Co. A partir dessa densidade de corrente, novamente observa-se um mínimo no valor da coercividade magnética do material (81 A/m). A partir dessa densidade de corrente, tal grandeza teve seu valor mantido praticamente constante. Para essa densidade de corrente filmes de 6 ?m de espessura são obtidos para um tempo de 40 minutos. Uma menor assimetria magnética é observada comparada com o caso anterior. Por esses dados, acreditamos que o filmes de NiFeCo seja um melhor candidato para a confecção do sensor planar tipo fluxgate, e testes iniciais de sua fabricação também são apresentados. / This work presents the results about the fabrication and characterization of thin films of NiFe and NiFeCo alloys. The attempts to construct the planar fluxgate are also presented. Galvanostatic electrodeposition using an electrolytic solution containing Ni and Fe was used: NiSO4 (0,7 mol/l); NiCl2 (0,02 mol/l); FeSO4 (0,03 mol/l); H3BO3 (0,4 mol/l) and C7H5O3NS.2H2O (0,016 mol/l). The auxiliary electrode was made on Ni for the NiFe films, while another one made on Co was used for the NiFeCo films. Films were deposited on copper substrates using current densities form 4 up to 28 mA/cm2, and total deposition time of 40 and 60 minutes. Structural characterization was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (surface and cross-section); Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, and Xray Diffraction. Magnetic characterization was performed using two methods: the Vibrating Sample Magnetometry and magnetometry using a SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) sensor. NiFe films grow with crystalline planes oriented along the (110) e (200) directions; the amount of each material reach constant values for current densities above 15 mA/cm2 (even though there is always more Ni). The point of minimum magnetic coercivity (58,4 A/m) also occurs for this current density, where films 1 ?m-thick are obtained for a total deposition time of 40 minutes. An asymmetry is observed for magnetic fields applied parallel and perpendicular to the surface of the films. NiFeCo films grow with crystalline planes oriented along the (111) and (200) directions; the amount of Ni remains constant (about 70%) for the whole current density range. The amount of Fe decreases with increasing current density, while the amout of Co shows the opposite behavior. They have equal values for current densities of about 15mA/cm2, where the minimum coercivity of 81A/m is achieved. For higher current densities the coercivity remains constant. For the current density of 15mA/cm2, 6 ?m-thick films are obtained for a total deposition time of 40 minutes. The magnetic asymmetry is smaller than for the case of the NiFe films. According to the obtained data, we believe that NiFeCo is a better candidate for the fabrication of planar magnetic fluxgate sensors. Initial tests for the fabrication of a prototype are also presented.

O presente trabalho trata da obtenção de ligas de NiFe de NiFeCo sob a forma de filmes finos e também no seu uso na tentativa em se construir um sensor magnético tipo fluxgate planar. A técnica de produção utilizada foi a eletrodeposição com regime galvanostático. A solução eletrolítica utilizada era constituída por sais de níquel e ferro e alguns aditivos. Para depositar os filmes de NiFe, o eletrodo auxiliar era constituído de níquel; enquanto que para depositar os filmes de NiFeCo, o eletrodo auxiliar era constituído de cobalto. Os filmes foram depositados em substratos de cobre utilizando densidades de corrente no intervalo de 4 até 28 mA/cm2, com tempos totais de 40 e 60 minutos. A caracterização morfológica foi realizada utilizando Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura superficial e de seção lateral e para encontrarmos a composição dos elementos presentes na amostra, realizamos a Espectroscopia de Energia Dispersiva e Difração de Raios-X. Quanto à caracterização magnética foi utilizado o Magnetômetro de Amostra Vibrante e também magnetometria utilizando o Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (este foi utilizado somente para os filmes de NiFeCo) como o elemento detector do equipamento. Os filmes de NiFe crescem com orientações cristalinas ao longo dos planos (110) e (200); as quantidades de níquel e ferro atingem valores constantes a partir da densidade de corrente de 15 mA/cm2 (embora sempre haja mais níquel que ferro); o ponto de menor coercividade magnética (58,4 A/m) também ocorre a partir dessa densidade de corrente, onde filmes com 1 ?m de espessura são conseguidos para um tempo total de 40 minutos. Nota-se uma assimetria para os campos aplicados perpendicular e paralelamente à superfície do filme. Os filmes de NiFeCo crescem com orientações ao longo dos planos (111) e (200). Embora sempre haja mais níquel (constante em 70%), as concentrações de Fe e Co se igualam apenas para uma densidade de corrente próxima de 15mA/cm2. Abaixo desse valor há mais ferro, e acima mais Co. A partir dessa densidade de corrente, novamente observa-se um mínimo no valor da coercividade magnética do material (81 A/m). A partir dessa densidade de corrente, tal grandeza teve seu valor mantido praticamente constante. Para essa densidade de corrente filmes de 6 ?m de espessura são obtidos para um tempo de 40 minutos. Uma menor assimetria magnética é observada comparada com o caso anterior. Por esses dados, acreditamos que o filmes de NiFeCo seja um melhor candidato para a confecção do sensor planar tipo fluxgate, e testes iniciais de sua fabricação também são apresentados. / This work presents the results about the fabrication and characterization of thin films of NiFe and NiFeCo alloys. The attempts to construct the planar fluxgate are also presented. Galvanostatic electrodeposition using an electrolytic solution containing Ni and Fe was used: NiSO4 (0,7 mol/l); NiCl2 (0,02 mol/l); FeSO4 (0,03 mol/l); H3BO3 (0,4 mol/l) and C7H5O3NS.2H2O (0,016 mol/l). The auxiliary electrode was made on Ni for the NiFe films, while another one made on Co was used for the NiFeCo films. Films were deposited on copper substrates using current densities form 4 up to 28 mA/cm2, and total deposition time of 40 and 60 minutes. Structural characterization was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (surface and cross-section); Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, and Xray Diffraction. Magnetic characterization was performed using two methods: the Vibrating Sample Magnetometry and magnetometry using a SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) sensor. NiFe films grow with crystalline planes oriented along the (110) e (200) directions; the amount of each material reach constant values for current densities above 15 mA/cm2 (even though there is always more Ni). The point of minimum magnetic coercivity (58,4 A/m) also occurs for this current density, where films 1 ?m-thick are obtained for a total deposition time of 40 minutes. An asymmetry is observed for magnetic fields applied parallel and perpendicular to the surface of the films. NiFeCo films grow with crystalline planes oriented along the (111) and (200) directions; the amount of Ni remains constant (about 70%) for the whole current density range. The amount of Fe decreases with increasing current density, while the amout of Co shows the opposite behavior. They have equal values for current densities of about 15mA/cm2, where the minimum coercivity of 81A/m is achieved. For higher current densities the coercivity remains constant. For the current density of 15mA/cm2, 6 ?m-thick films are obtained for a total deposition time of 40 minutes. The magnetic asymmetry is smaller than for the case of the NiFe films. According to the obtained data, we believe that NiFeCo is a better candidate for the fabrication of planar magnetic fluxgate sensors. Initial tests for the fabrication of a prototype are also presented.

No description available.

No / Although military sites have long been the subject of geophysical investigation, those associated with recent military campaigns are noticeably rare. In fact, although such techniques are increasingly used to identify the unwanted legacy of modern warfare, such as unexploded ordnances or mass burials, they have not been used to investigate the archaeology of such conflict. The survey here attempts to identify the archaeology of one military site (Puits d'Herode) that was part of Hitler's Atlantic Wall and to identify the key elements associated with its D-Day defences. Magnetic gradiometry, twin-probe resistance and ground-penetrating radar were used at this site and, as a result of the nature of the buried archaeology, the magnetic technique proved most valuable. Trenches and bunkers previously known from aerial photographs were located accurately and a track believed to relate to the post-D-Day advance of the Allied forces across Puits d'Herode was also identified. The use of geophysical data in the investigation of this site has provided a new avenue to examine previously difficult topics such as the quality of intelligence available at the time of the conflict and the level and accuracy of shelling; although these may seem unlikely targets for archaeological geophysics, they are important to military historians for whom eye witness accounts are becoming increasingly scarce.

no / This Short Report summarizes some initial results using real time GPS to navigate and collect magnetometer data using Foerster sensors and a magnetic cart. The Foerster system is primarily aimed at the detection of buried ordnance and, by comparison to some other magnetometer sensors, the reported sensitivity is relatively low. However, the sensors require no alignment in the field, nor does the system require a regular contiguous grid to be established across the survey area. The latter means that data grids of different sizes and orientation can be measured and stitched together as part of data restoration prior to processing. The accurate positioning of the data means that `staggering¿, which is often seen in time-based collection strategies, is not apparent in the data; overall less processing is required to produce a final image than is required for other fluxgate instruments. Data from a survey at Cyrene are reproduced to illustrate the strengths of the system

Earth is under constant influence of the Sun and phenomena driven by the solar wind that may affect man-made technology. These events are summarized under the concept of space weather. This creates variations in Earth’s magnetic field and nearby space. Space weather can affect power grids, gas pipelines and also have effects on human health. Due to these effects, as well as the scientific interest in space and the growing space industry, the need to monitor space weather, the space environment and how Earth is affected by them increases. Accurate magnetic mesurements rely on expensive magnetometers and careful calibration. Swedish Institute of Space Physics IRF, operates two magnetometers in Sweden, one observatory and one variometer to measure local geomagnetic variations. For the purpose of space weather, measurements of local variations have high demands on temporal resolution and precision but not the same need for long-term accuracy. The purpose of this thesis is to define and evaluate an autonomous system for local geomagnetic variations, with future hopes of creating a network of systems for space weather monitoring. The future goal is to be able to place systems in remote locations where they will be able to conduct measurements autonomously. The work was done by analysis and testing of a fluxgate magnetometer that was placed close to one of the IRFs existing magnetometers. Using data from the existing station as a reference, an analysis of the magnetometer could be performed. The results showed that the tested magnetometer had less precision than the existing station but could within a certain frequency range provide good results that make it possible to measure the local geomagnetic variations that may be of use for space weather. Conclusions from this study show that it is possible to create a simpler autonomous system for measurements of the local geomagnetic variations, but that this system requires further development, where future work can be based on this degree project as a basis. / Jorden är under konstant påverkan av solen och fenomen drivna av solvinden som kan påverka mänsklig teknologi. Dessa event sammanfattas under begreppet rymdväder. Genom detta skapas variationer i Jordens magnetfält och närliggande rymd. Rymdväder kan påverka kraftnät, gasledningar och även ha effekter på mänsklig hälsa. På grund av dessa effekter samt det vetenskapliga intresset för rymden och den växande rymdbranschen ökar behovet av att övervaka rymdväder, rymdmiljön samt hur Jorden påverkas av de. Exakta magnetiska mätningar är beroende av dyra magnetometrar och nogrann kalibrering. Institutet för Rymdfysik IRF driver två magnetometrar i Sverige, ett observatorium och en variometer för att mäta lokala geomagnetiska variationer. Då mätningar av lokala variationer har höga krav på temporal upplösning och precision men inte samma behov av kontroll på långsiktig noggrannhet. Syftet med det här examensarbetet är att definiera och utvärdera ett autonomt system för lokala geomagnetiska variationer, med framtida förhoppningar om att skapa ett nätverk av system för övervakning av rymdväder. Framtidsmålet är att kunna placera ut system på avlägsna platser där det autonomt ska kunna bedrivas mätningar. Arbetet gjordes genom analys och tester med en fluxgate-magnetometer som placerades i närheten av en av IRF befintliga magnetometrar. Med data från den existerande stationen som referens kunde en analys av magnetometern utföras. Resultatet visade att den testade magnetometern hade mindre precision än den befintliga stationen men kunde inom ett viss frekvensspann förse goda resultat som gjorde det möjligt att mäta de lokala geomagnetiska variationerna som kan vara till nytta för rymdväder. Slutsatser från denna studie visar att det är möjligt att skapa ett enklare autonomt system för mätningar av de lokala geomagnetiska variationerna men att detta system kräver vidare utveckling, där framtida arbete kan utgå från resultaten som erhölls i detta examensarbete.

Les travaux décrits dans cette thèse portent sur la mesure de courant à partir de mesure de champ magnétique sans canalisation de flux. Une nouvelle structure de capteur de courant basée sur une mesure différentielle du champ magnétique a été réalisée. Elle consiste à disposer un seul capteur magnétique différentiel linéaire du type fluxgate au-dessus des sections d'un conducteur en forme U traversé par le courant à mesurer. Utilisant cette structure, nous avons pu améliorer la précision et assurer une bonne réjection des perturbations magnétiques extérieures. Cette structure a été étudiée théoriquement et validée expérimentalement. Les impacts de divers facteurs de réalisation ont été étudiés à l'aide de calculs analytiques, des simulations par éléments finis et des mesures. L'intégration de cette nouvelle structure faciliterait la dissémination de capteurs de courant.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Geomagnetic storms are primarily driven by the rapid transfer of energy from the solar wind to the magnetosphere. The mechanism of energy transfer involves the merging of the interplanetary magnetic field to the geomagnetic field in a process known as magnetic reconnection. This leads to an influx of energetic, charged particles into the magnetosphere so that current systems are enhanced. Specifically, an increase in the equatorial ring current leads to a decrease in the surface field. Geomagnetic storms are thus characterized by a strong decline in the horizontal components of the geomagnetic field, lasting from several hours to days. The intensity of a storm is described by the disturbed storm-time index, which is essentially a measure of the deviation from the typical quiet day variation along the equator. Severe storms can lead to the disruption of high frequency (HF) communications as a consequence of a strongly perturbed ionosphere. By the same token, the global positioning system (GPS) can become highly unreliable during magnetically disturbed conditions, yielding distance errors as large as 50 meters. The impact of geomagnetic activity and other solar-driven processes on technology systems are collectively known as space weather. Magnetic field sensing thus forms an important part of space weather forecasting and is vital to space science research as a means of improving our understanding of solar wind-magnetosphere interactions. This study examines the use of magnetometers built as SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) for monitoring the geomagnetic field for space weather forecasting purposes. A basic theory of superconductivity is presented and subsequently the key aspects governing the operation of SQUIDs are discussed. Space weather is also introduced with respect to the various processes on the sun that perturb the magnetosphere and hence the geomagnetic field. The method of analysis was basically to Fourier-transform the data using the Wiener-Khintchine theorem. A systematic approach to Fourier analysis is thus presented, demonstrating the superiority of the Wiener-Khintchine theorem in noise reduction. The suitability of SQUID magnetometers for space science research is demonstrated by a comparative study between SQUID and fluxgate datasets for magnetic storms during 2011. Strong correlation was observed between the frequency content of the SQUID and fluxgate signals. This result supports South Africa’s SQUID project, currently undertaken as a collaborative effort between SANSA Space Science and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University. This thesis thus lays a foundation for future research involving advanced magnetometry using SQUIDs. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geomagnetiese storms word hoofsaaklik gedryf deur die vinnige oordrag van energie van die sonwind na die magnetosfeer. Die meganisme van energie oordrag behels die samesmelting van die interplanetêre magneetveld met die geomagneetveld, in 'n proses wat bekend staan as magnetiese heraansluiting. Dit lei tot 'n instroming van energieke elektries-gelaaide deeltjies, tot in die magnetosfeer, met die gevolg dat magnetosferiese elektriese stroomstelsels versterk word. 'n Toename in die ekwatoriale ringstrome lei spesifiek tot 'n afname in die horisontale komponent van die geomagnetiese veld. Geomagnetiese storms word dus gekenmerk deur 'n sterk afname in die horisontale komponent van die geomagnetiese veld, ‘n afname wat etlike ure tot dae kan duur. Die intensiteit van 'n storm word beskryf deur die storm-tyd versteurings indeks , 'n maatstaf van die afwyking van die tipiese stil dag magnetiese variasie langs die ewenaar. Ernstige storms kan lei tot die ontwrigting van hoë frekwensie (HF) kommunikasie as 'n gevolg van 'n erg versteurde ionosfeer. Soortgelyk kan die Globale Posisionering Stelsel (GPS) hoogs onbetroubaar word tydens magneties versteurde toestande, en posisiefoute so groot as 50 meter veroorsaak. Die impak van geomagnetiese aktiwiteit en ander sonkrag gedrewe prosesse op tegnologie is gesamentlik bekend as ruimteweer. Magneetveldmetinge vorm dus 'n belangrike deel van ruimteweervoorspelling en is noodsaaklik vir ruimtewetenskaplike navorsing as 'n middel om die sonwind-magnetosfeer interaksies beter te verstaan. Hierdie studie ondersoek die gebruik van SQUID (Engels: Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) magnetometers vir die monitering van die geomagnetiese veld vir ruimteweervoorspellingsdoeleindes. ’n Basiese teorie van supergeleiding word aangebied, waarvolgens die sleutelaspekte van SQUIDs bespreek word. Ruimteweer word ook voorgestel in terme van die verskillende prosesse op die son wat die aarde se magnetosfeer en dus die geomagnetiese veld versteur. Die analisemetode wat hier gebruik word, is om die Fourier-transform van data met die Wiener-Khintchine theorema te bereken. A sistematiese metode vir Fourier-analise word aangebied, wat die superiorireit van die Wiener-Khintchine teorema vir ruisvermindering demonstreer. Die geskiktheid van SQUID magnetometers vir ruimtewetenskaplike navorsing word gedemonstreer deur ’n vergelykende studie tussen SQUID- en vloedhek-datastelle vir magnetiese storms gedurende 2011. Sterk korrelasie is waargeneem tussen die frekwensie-inhoud van die SQUID- en vloedhekseine. Hierdie resultate ondersteun Suid-Afrika se SQUID-projek, wat tans as ’n samewerkingspoging tussen SANSA Space Science en die Departement Elektriese en Elektroniese Ingenieurswese aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch bedryf word. Hierdie tesis lê ’n fondasie vir toekomstige navorsing oor gevorderde magnetometrie met SQUIDs.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) are fairly recent types of magnetometers that use flux quantization combined with Josephson tunnelling to detect very faint (< 10¯15 T) magnetic fields. Recent scientific studies have shown that these highly sensitive magnetometers, located in an ultra-low-noise environment, are capable of observing Earth-ionosphere couplings, such as P waves emitted during earthquakes or magnetic storms in the upper atmosphere, S and T breathing modes of the Earth during quiet magnetic and seismic periods, signals in time correlating with sprites. Since SQUIDs are much more sensitive than conventional magnetometers, they are arguably the best tool for understanding space weather and natural hazards, whether they are produced from space or within the ionosphere by magnetic storms for instance, or natural disturbances, including magnetic disturbances produced by earthquakes or as a result of the dynamics of the earth's core. A study was conducted at SANSA Space Science in Hermanus, Western Cape, in 2012, to find the correlation between SQUID and Fluxgate data-sets, with the aim of validating the use of a SQUID as a reliable instrument for Space Weather observations. In that study, SQUID data obtained from the Low Noise Laboratory (LSBB) in France was compared to Fluxgate data-sets from the three closest magnetic observatories to LSBB, namely Chambon la For êt (France), Ebro (Spain) and Fürstenfeldbruck (Germany), all further than 500 km from LSBB. As a follow-up study, our aim is to correlate the SANSA Space Science SQUID data at Hermanus with Fluxgate magnetic data also recorded on-site (at Hermanus). There are notable di_erences between the previous study and the current study. In the previous study, the three-axis SQUID used comprised of three low-Tc devices operated in liquid helium (4.2 K) in an underground, low noise environment shielded from most human interferences. The SQUID magnetometer operated at Hermanus for the duration of this study is a high-Tc two-axis device (measuring the x and z components of the geomagnetic field). This SQUID magnetometer operates in liquid nitrogen (77 K), and is completely unshielded in the local geomagnetic field of about 26 uT. The environment is magnetically clean to observatory standards, but experiences more human interference than that at LSBB. The high-Tc SQUIDs also experience excessive 1/f noise at low frequencies which the low-Tc SQUIDs do not suffer from, but the big advantage of the current study is that the SQUIDs are located within 50 m from the observatory's fluxgate. We thus expect far better correlation between SQUID and fluxgate data than what was obtained in the previous study, which should improve the isolation of signals detected by the SQUID but not by the fluxgate. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: SQUIDs (supergeleidende kwantuminterferensietoestelle) is redelik onlangse tipes magnetometers wat vloedkwantisering saam met Josephson-tonneling gebruik om baie klein (< 10¯15 T) magnetiese velde waar te neem. Onlangse wetenskaplike studies het getoon dat hierdie hoogs sensitiewe magnetometers die vermoë het om Aarde-ionosfeerkoppeling waar te neem wanneer dit in 'n ultra-laeruisomgewing geplaas word. Sodanige koppeling sluit in: P-golwe wat deur aardbewings or magnetiese storms in die boonste atmosfeer veroorsaak word; S- en T-asemhalingsmodusse van die Aarde gedurende stil magnetiese en seismiese periodes; en seine in tyd wat korreleer met weerligeffekte in die boonste atmosfeer. Aangesien SQUIDs heelwat meer sensistief is as konvensionele magnetometers, is dit moontlik die beste gereedskap om ruimteweer en geassosieerde natuurlike gevare mee te analiseer; hetsy sulke toestande veroorsaak word vanaf die ruimte (deur die son) of binne die ionosfeer deur magnetiese storms of natuurlike steurings wat deur aardbewings of die dinamika van die Aardkern veroorsaak word. 'n Studie is in 2012 gedoen by SANSA Space Science in Hermanus in die Wes-Kaap om die korrelasie tussen SQUID- en vloedhekdatastelle te vind met die doel om SQUIDs as betroubare instrumente vir ruimteweerwaarneming te bevestig. In daardie studie is SQUID-data verkry vanaf die Laeruis Ondergrondse Laboratorium (LSBB) in Frankryk, en is dit vergelyk met vloedhekdatastelle vanaf die drie naaste magnetiese observatoriums aan LSBB, naamlik: Chambon la Forêt (Frankryk), Ebro (Spanje) en Fürstenfeldbruck (Duitsland). Al drie hierdie observatoriums is verder as 500 km vanaf LSBB. As 'n opvolgstudie is ons doelwit om SQUID- en vloedhekdata wat beide op die terrein van SANSA Space Science in Hermanus waargeneem word, te korreleer. Daar is merkbare verskille tussen hierdie en die vorige studies. In die vorige studie is 'n drie-as lae-Tc SQUID-magnetometer in vloeibare helium (4.2 K) in 'n laeruis ondergrondse laboratorium, afgeskerm teen menslike steurings, gebruik. Die SQUID-magnetometer wat vir die duur van die huidige studie by Hermanus gebruik is, is 'n hoë-Tc twee-as toestel (wat die x - en z -komponente van die geomagnetiese veld meet). Hierdie SQUID-magnetometer opereer in vloeibare stikstof teen 77 K, sonder enige afskerming in die geomagnetiese veld van ongeveer 26 uT. Die omgewing is magneties skoon volgens observatoriumstandaarde, maar ondervind meer menslik-veroorsaakde steurings as LSBB. Die hoë-Tc SQUIDs tel ook heelwat 1/f ruis op (wat lae-frekwensiemetings beïnvloed); iets wat nie 'n rol speel by die lae-Tc SQUIDs nie. Die groot voordeel van die huidige studie is dat die SQUIDs binne 50 meter vanaf die observatorium vloedhekke geleë is. Ons verwag dus heelwat beter korrelasie tussen SQUID- en vloedhekdata as wat met die vorige studie verkry is, wat dit makliker sal maak om die isolasie te verbeter van seine wat deur die SQUIDs waargeneem is, maar nie deur die vloedhekke nie.

No description available.