Multi-Channel High-Tc SQUID Detection System for Metallic Contaminants

Finding ultra-small metallic contaminants is a big issue for manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries nowadays. Therefore, we have developed high-Tc SQUID systems for detection of such fine magnetic metallic contaminants. In this paper, we constructed an eight channel high-Tc SQUID gradiometer system for inspection of a sheet electrode of a lithium ion battery with width of about 70 mm. By this system, a small iron ball of about 30 μm in diameter was successfully detected. It is shown that this system has a detectable range of 70 mm in width. These results suggest that the system is a promising tool for the detection of the contaminants in lithium ion batteries.