What is a gaussmeter and what is it used for?

The pioneer of magnetic field research, Carl Friederich Gauss, created the first instrument in 1833 that had the ability to measure the strength and direction of the magnetic field. He also created a system of units to measure the result. The gaussmeter consists of a gauss probe, a meter, and a cable to connect them together; In addition to all this, we need the Hall effect, discovered by Edwin Hall in 1879, because without it could not work.

The hall effect is a current that is flowing through a conductor, this current is in contact with the presence of a magnetic field perpendicular to the movement of the applied magnetic field and magnetic charges.

What is a gaussmeter?

Before going into what a gaussmeter is, we first have to know what "gauss" means; the gauss is the unit in charge of measuring the magnetic field B or also known as the magnetic flux density. The gaussmeter is the instrument in charge of measuring the magnetic fields, as well as checking the flux density. The gaussmeter is also known as a magnetometer.

There are two types of gaussmeter's:

- Scalar: the scalar gaussmeter focuses on calculating the strength of the magnetic field near the device in question.

- Vector: the vector gaussmeter calculates the direction of the magnetic field.

How do gaussmeter's work?

The operation of a gaussmeter is very simple due to a screen that offers the information that gives us this instrument. To obtain this information we only have to approach the magnetic source that we want to measure. This meter can be analog or digital, regardless of the type, the gaussmeter needs to be calibrated every certain period of time.

How to calibrate a gaussmeter?

To have a gaussmeter calibrated is of vital importance to assure a result obtained from this instrument. The calibration of a gaussmeter requires a zero gauss chamber and a certain magnet; most of the time the ones in charge of the calibration of such gaussmeter are the manufacturers of them.

Sectors in which we can use a gaussmeter

Gaussmeters can be used in several sectors, but the most usual ones are in the laboratory and in telecommunications.

- Laboratories: in the laboratory, they are used for quality control in order to measure the intensity of the magnetic fields that are being treated.

- Telecommunications: in the telecommunications sector they are used to check the correct demagnetization of the elements.