Development of B-field and E-field sensors based on coupled devices with nonlinear hysteretic behaviors

Abstract

In this work we discuss the implementation of sensing devices based on ring-coupled hysteretic systems. In particular, the emergent oscillations in a ring coupled system formed by overdamped nonlinear devices having an hysteretic magnetic and electric behaviour are considered with applications to B-field and E-field measurements, respectively. Details on the implementation strategy, on the materials adopted and on the technologies will be given. The concept introduced is then extended to the area of E-field sensors taking into account nonlinear ferroelectric devices where oscillations can be obtained through a suitable connection topology in a similar way as for the magnetic field systems. The evaluation of the output signal dependence on the target electric field to be measured will be discussed and some device implementation issues will be reported. The proposed system combines benefits coming from reconsidering dated physical electro-static phenomena, with miniaturization levels provided by micro-technologies, to realize important electric field amplification. Devices based on different technologies, ranging from PCB to hybrid integrated microsystems, will be presented and discussed. Preliminary experimental results on E field sensor will be presented; the studies on B-field sensor are more mature and more comprehensive experimental results will be discussed to validate the working principle and to qualify the sensors in terms of sensitivity and noise floor.