Magnetoelectric sensor for microtesla magnetic-fields based on (Fe80Co20)78Si12B10/PZT laminates

The magnetoelectric sensor based on (Fe₈₀Co₂₀)₇₈Si₁₂B₁₀/PZT laminates is designed, fabricated and characterized for determining dc and ac magnetic-field strengths as well as field orientations. At low dc magnetic-fields, a ME-voltage response (dV_ME/dH) as high as 2 mV/Oe is achieved. The linear relation V_ME(h_ac) with a slope of dV_ME/dh_ac of 17 mV/Oe shows a great ability to self-powered detecting low ac magnetic-fields. The field orientation can be detected by using the sinusoidal dependence of the magnetoelectric voltage. The sensor is promising not only for microtesla magnetic-field sensing but also for magnetic biosensor applications.