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 x 10(-4) Oe has been achieved for composite laminates with a size of 15 mm x 1 mm. With respect to the field inclination, an angular sensitivity of 3.86 x 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. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.