Magneto-optical apparatus and method for the spatially-resolved detection of weak magnetic fields
US8000767B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/032
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A detector uses the magneto-optical Kerr effect and exploits the transition region between two magnetization states of a magneto-optical film to detect magnetic fields of less than 100 pT. The magnetic field of a subject is determined by examining the polarization of light reflected from the magneto-optical film. A several μm thick, bismuth doped, YIG film is used for detection as the transition regions are steep, providing large changes in the polarization rotation angle for small variations in the applied magnetic field. The apparatus may be used in the functional imaging of various organs and systems in humans and animals or for the spatial and temporal tracking of nano or micro magnetic particles intentionally introduced into the circulatory or intestinal systems for diagnostic or research purposes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.