The variable field translation balance (VFTB) is an instrument for measuring isothermal magnetizations in variable fields (e.g., hysteresis loops) as well as the temperature dependence of the associated magnetic parameters. It is specifically designed to measure the weak magnetizations commonly encountered in rock magnetism.
Measurement principles and main instrument components
The VFTB is a modification of the horizontal magnetic translation balance (e.g., Collinson, 1983). In contrast to the normal horizontal translation balance, the magnetic gradient in the VFTB is not produced by a special shape of the pole pieces of the electromagnet, but by a separate set of four gradient coils (AC; Figure V1). This separation of inducing field and gradient field was for the first time proposed by McKeehan (1934). The gradient field of the VFTB is not kept constant, but is oscillating with a certain frequency (2–4 Hz). The VFTB can thus be considered a one‐dimensional harmonic oscillator with...
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Collinson, D.W., 1983. Methods in Rock Magnetism and Palaeomagnetism: Techniques and Instrumentation. New York: Chapman & Hall.
McKeehan, L., 1934. Pendulum magnetometer for crystal ferromagnetism. The Review of Scientific Instruments, 5: 265–268.
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Krása, D., Petersen, K., Petersen, N. (2007). Variable Field Translation Balance. In: Gubbins, D., Herrero-Bervera, E. (eds) Encyclopedia of Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4423-6_312
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4423-6_312
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-3992-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-4423-6
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