Original experimental bench based on a large loop for environmental measurements at LSBB

Abstract

Summary In this paper, we present the first step of an instrumental development of an original environmental sensor, based on a giant magnetic loop. It is a simple electrical cable existing and used for years at the LSBB (France). Its singular location in this specifically transdisciplinary laboratory is an asset for its future use by a large scientific community. We propose to take advantage of the unusual length and surface of the loop and its very specific environment to increase its functionalities. More specifically, we investigate two different approaches : an active method consisting in monitoring the time evolution of its electrical characteristic; and a passive method consisting in measuring the environmental induced electrical voltage. We present both the experimental setup, the experimental protocols and a proof-of-concept for these two methods with surprising first experimental results. We discuss the opportunity offered by sharing this work with different scientific communities.