A Magnetic Field Camera for Real-Time Subsurface Imaging Applications

Abstract

We have constructed an imaging device that capable to show a spatio-temporal distribution of magnetic field intensity in real-time. The device employs a set of AMR (Anisotropic Magneto Resistance) 3-axis magnetometers, which are arranged into a two-dimensional sensor array. All of the magnetic field values measured by the array are collected by a microcontroller, which pre-process and send the data to a PDU (Processing and Display Unit) implemented on a smartphone/tablets or a computer. An interpolation algorithm and display software in the PDU present the field as a high-resolution video; hence, the device works as a magnetic field camera. In the experiments, we employ the camera to map the field distribution of distorted ambient magnetic field induced by a hidden object. The obtained image of field shows both the position and shape of the object. We also demonstrate the capability of the device to image a loaded power-line cable carrying a 50~Hz alternating current.