Geomagnetic sensors based on Metglas/PZT laminates

A potential geomagnetic-field sensor is proposed on the basis of an optimal 2D configuration of magnetoelectric Ni-based Metglas/PZT laminates. This sensor can perfectly serve to measure both the strength and the orientation of the earth's magnetic field. An incredibly high ME-voltage response of 0.871 V/Oe to the geomagnetic field with a resolution of 3 × 10−4 Oe has been achieved for composite laminates with a size of 15 mm × 1 mm. With respect to the field inclination, an angular sensitivity of 3.86 × 10−3 V/degree and an angular resolution of 10−1 degree have been determined. This simple and low-cost magnetic-field sensor is promising for applications not only as novel smart compasses and in global positioning devices, but also as magnetic biosensors.