Two dimensional magnetic field sensor

Development and testing of a two dimensional magnetic field sensor are conducted to gain an understanding of the sensing phenomenon, characterize its capabilities, and develop a rationale for the direction of further improvements. The sensor uses a configuration similar to a vidicon television camera tube. Instead of operating in a light sensitive mode, a special target surface is used in conjunction with a modified tube structure and operating conditions. The appearance of magnetic fields observed on the monitor of the prototype seemed foreign until further analysis was performed of the phenomenon causing the images. Experimental results from a prototype are used to develop an understanding of the sensor. From the model developed, computer simulation pointed to an unusual sensing capability that was later verified with the prototype.<>