ISSN:
1365-2478
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
Notes:
Compagnie Générate de T.S.F. (C.S.F.) has recently developed a new magnetometer based on the optical pumping of caesium vapour.After carrying out a systematic programme of ground and in-flight tests, Compagnie Générale de Géophysique (C.G.G.) has put several of the airborne models into service.Following a discussion of the fundamental principles involved, the instrument is described and its specifications are given. The two forms of read-out are: an analog recording, of the conventional type, and a digital version, recorded on magnetic tape.The instrument measures the total intensity of the earth's magnetic field with a sensitivity of 0.03 gamma. Temperature compensation is provided, making possible operation between — 20 and + 45 degrees centigrade. Performance is not affected by an inhomogeneous field as long as the gradient is less than 10 gammas per centimetre.The range of the instrument is from 20,000 to 70,000 gammas and the values are obtained automatically, without the intervention of an operator.There is no danger of instrumental drift, and the selection of caesium vapour and the components of the detector guarantee that the absolute value of the field, throughout the range of the instrument and regardless of the circumstances, is measured to within one gamma.The first large-scale project making use of these magnetometers, carried out by C.G.G., is the Magnetic Map of France, which has been compiled for the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. The characteristics of this project are given.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2478.1965.tb01931.x
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