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Since 1980

Jul 21 2014

Requirements for Obtaining High Accuracy with Proton Magnetometers Part 5

Signal-to-Noise Ratio Limited S/N ratio will make measurement of the average period uncertain. Relative accuracy or repeatability of measurement, а prerequisite for absolute accuracy, depends to a large extent on S/N ratio of the obtained precession signal. Obviously, an effort must be made tо use all thе available information from the noisy precession signal, therefore usually all thе zero crossings are taken and used for calculation of the result. Sensor Cleanliness Obviously, any ferromagnetic inclusion in the sensor or its immediate vicinity may influence the field and cause erroneous result. Presence of AC Magnetic Fields AC magnetic fields caused by…


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Jul 14 2014

Requirements for Obtaining High Accuracy with Proton Magnetometers Part 4

Method of Measurement Proton precession frequency is of acoustic range and the measurement interval varies from a fraction of a second tо few seconds. To achieve required resolutions of sub-ppm it is customary tо measure the average period of the precession frequency and convert it to the frequency and the magnetic field. Required accuracies arе achieved by measuring precession frequency to a small fraction of one period down to only few degrees or even a fraction of 1 degree of phase shift. This in turn means that the precession frequency must have a stable phase and good signal tо noise…


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Jul 7 2014

Requirements for Obtaining High Accuracy with Proton Magnetometers Part 3

Time Reference Stability and Accuracy Measurement of frequency is one of the most precise measurements we can do, primary standards going into 10-13 or even better accuracy. In principle, therefore, there is no problem with the time reference for the counters measuring precession frequency. In practice, the situation is different. Due to higher costs and/or higher power requirements in the Observatory magnetometers we usually use tеmреrаturе compensated or at best thermally stabilized crystal oscillators with long term (1 yеar) stabilities of l ppm or similar. Latest development in global positioning systems allows for much better accuracies by locking or periodically…


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Jun 30 2014

Requirements for Obtaining High Accuracy with Proton Magnetometers Part 2

Gyromagnetic Constant The gyromagnetic constant relates the precession frequency and the magnetic induction or flux density. It is а real constant, i.e. the precession frequency of protons and the applied magnetic inductions are linearly related. Several institutions have been engaged in determination of the gyromagnetic constant: NIST (USA) National Institute of Standards and Technology formerly NBS NPL (UK) National Physical Laboratory VNIIM (Russia) Mendeleyew Institute of Metrology, St.Pеtеrsburg NIМ (China) National Institute of Metrology ASMW (former East Germany) Amt fur Standardisierung Messwesen and Wonenpufung, Berlin They came with their own results and accuracies, unfortunately often far apart from each other.…


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Jun 23 2014

Requirements for Obtaining High Accuracy with Proton Magnetometers Part 1

Definition of Absolute Accuracy Absolute accuracy of a measurement is the difference between measured and true values. Obviously, nobody knows the true value, so we end up defining the limits we know the true value must be within. Presently the limits of accuracy of measurement of the magnetic field of the Earth can be pushed to better than 1ppm. In a field of, say, 50,000nT, this is better than 0.05nT. However, there are numerous difficulties and conditions that must be fulfilled to obtain that kind of absolute accuracy. Parameters that are involved include: • Gyromagnetic constant’s accuracy • Time reference…


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May 27 2014

New GPS Option Available

New GPS Option Available As of March31st, GEM is offering a new NovAtel GPS option which can be purchased with any of our instruments.   NovAtel CORRECT™ positioning technology is now available with TerraStar’s precise point positioning (PPP) corrections. This system delivers 10 centimeter or better accuracy with no additional base station infrastructure. Along with this feature, other benefits include improved accuracy and performance of solutions. This option optimally combines data from numerous GNSS satellite constellations with corrections from a variety of sources, to deliver the best position solution possible. Image: Terrastar.net   For more information on how this GPS…


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May 5 2014

GEM’s Proton Precession Magnetometer

Proton Precession Magnetometers have long had a niche as inexpensive portable magnetometers, despite limitations such as relatively large power consumption and relatively low sensitivity. Typical applications include environmental and engineering surveys where targets are relatively near surface and do not require high sensitivities to detect and map, or production-oriented reconnaissance surveys for resource exploration. Operating Principles A proton magnetometer uses hydrogen atoms to generate precession signals. Liquids, such as kerosene, are used because they offer very high densities of hydrogen and are not dangerous to handle. A polarizing DC current is passed through a coil wound around a liquid sample…


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Apr 21 2014

GEM Systems Upcoming Events From Around the World!

GEM Systems Upcoming Events From Around the World! With all of the advancements and innovations GEM Systems pioneers in the magnetometer industry, it’s important that we make our presence felt at the top events around the world.  There are three upcoming events we are attending in three distinctly different regions that we are really looking forward to. Expomin – Santiago, Chile   The Expomin event takes place in the South American city of Santiago, Chile from April 21 – 25, 2014.  Santiago is the capital of Chile and it is more than 1,700 feet above sea level, with both mountains…


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Apr 7 2014

Depth Estimation Using Magnetometers and Gradiometers

One of the questions that our users most typically ask is, “How deep can a magnetometer see?”. This can be a challenging question to answer without knowing much about the target. However, there are a set of general rules and methods that can provide you with depth estimates quite rapidly. First, we look at the general set of equations for the total field and gradient. The total field (due to a dipole) is measured by: T= 2M / r3 Where M is the magnetic moment and r is the radius to the source. Similarly, for the response of a gradiometer…


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Apr 4 2014

Does Atlantis Exist?

You may know that GEM Systems’ equipment have been used to help assist modern day Indiana Joneses on exhausting archaeological digs. But did you know that researchers have also used our equipment on a hunt for the mythical lost city of Atlantis? Above is a rendering of the rings of Atlantis in Doñana Park, Spain that may have existed thousands of years ago. Image: nationalgeographic.com Our highly advanced magnetometers have been dispatched to the Doñana mud flats in Doñana National Park in southern Spain. There, the sensitive equipment was deployed at the survey site, with the sensors – some strapped…


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