Enhanced Sensitivity and Reduced Noise Floor in Magnetoelectric Laminate Sensors by an Improved Lamination Process

The effect of lamination process on the performance of Metglas/Pb(Zr,Ti)O-3-based composite magnetoelectric (ME) sensors has been studied. Improved sensor processing can lead to higher coupling between the magnetostrictive and piezoelectric phases. A higher coupling factor results in higher magnetic field sensitivity and lower equivalent magnetic noise floors. Spin-coat/vacuum-bag application and cure of interfacial epoxy, in addition to the use of Metglas foils with enhanced magnetostriction (lambda = 42 ppm), has led to an increase in the ME coefficient from 6 to 21.6 V/cm.Oe, and a decrease in the 1 Hz equivalent magnetic noise from 2 3 10(-10) to 4 3 10(-11) T/root Hz.