Ideal for research in Rock Magnetism and Environmental Magnetism
Variable Field Translation Balance (VFTB) Features and Functionalities
Unveiling the Power of the Variable Field Translation Balance (VFTB)
The VFTB stands as a sensitive and versatile instrument uniquely designed for the precise measurement of magnetic properties across a variety of materials. With its high sensitivity, the Variable Field Translation Balance is particularly suited for research in Rock Magnetism and Environmental Magnetism, capable of measuring weakly magnetic materials such as sandstone, limestone, and soil. It also finds application in the field of material science for magnetic analysis of synthetic materials and the thermal behavior of permanent magnets.
What sets the VFTB apart is its ability to simultaneously measure the reversible (susceptibility) and irreversible (remanent) components of magnetization and their temperature dependence. This unique feature makes it an invaluable tool for discriminating different magnetic phases in a sample. The Variable Field Translation Balance is available in two versions: the Solenoid and the Electromagnet, each with unique strengths.
Our comprehensive brochure provides an in-depth exploration of the VFTB’s capabilities, features, applications, and the distinct advantages of its two versions. Dive into the world of precise magnetic measurement with the Variable Field Translation Balance by Mag-Instruments.
Software
Maximize the capabilities of your Variable Field Translation Balance (VFTB) with our dedicated software. This software offers seamless control, precise measurement, and comprehensive data management for your magnetic analysis needs, providing you with advanced tools specifically designed to enhance your VFTB experience. Please note that access to the software is exclusive to registered users. If you’re not registered yet, we encourage you to sign up to unlock the full potential of your VFTB and gain access to a wealth of resources, including datasheets and manuals.
Main Purposes
- The Variable Field Translation Balance (VFTB) is designed for the precise measurement of magnetic properties in various materials, making it a valuable tool for researchers in fields such as Rock Magnetism, Environmental Magnetism, and Material Science.
- With its high sensitivity, the VFTB is particularly suited for measuring weakly magnetic materials like sandstone, limestone, soil, etc.
- The VFTB is the only instrument on the market that can simultaneously measure the reversible and irreversible components of magnetization and their temperature dependence. This unique feature makes it an invaluable tool for discriminating different magnetic phases in a sample.
- The VFTB can also be used for magnetic analysis in the field of material science, such as the analysis of synthetic materials or the thermal behavior of permanent magnets.
Key Features
| User-friendly operation | Easy sample mounting and automatic measurement sequences at defined temperatures |
| Susceptibility and magnetization measurements | Simultaneously measure the reversible (magnetic susceptibility) and irreversible (remanent) components of magnetization and their temperature dependence |
| Built-in heating unit | An integrated high-temperature oven allows magnetic measurements at up to 800°C |
| Dynamic range | The instruments’ high dynamic range (1×10-8 – 0.1 Am2) allows for various research applications, from the measurement of weakly magnetic natural materials such as sandstone, limestone, and soils to strongly magnetic synthetic materials |
| In-field measurements | In-field measurements up to 1 T allow saturating and characterizing of various natural and synthetic materials and facilitate accurate Curie-point measurements |
Offered in two versions
- Solenoid Version: This version features a solenoid as the main magnetizing unit capable of producing a 300mT field. It has a temperature range from room temperature to 800°C. Due to the special design of the measurement unit with a much bigger sample chamber, it is more sensitive than the electromagnet version. It is particularly suitable for environmental studies.
- Electromagnet Version: This version uses a 1T electromagnet as the main magnetizing unit. It operates in a full temperature range from -180 to 800°C. This version is more powerful and suited for various magnetic analysis purposes.
Supported measurement types
- Magnetization and susceptibility
- Thermomagnetic curves at -180°C to 800°C (simultaneous measurement of magnetization and susceptibility)
- IRM (full temperature range)
- Backfield curves (full temperature range)
- Hysteresis loops (full temperature range)
- FORC diagrams
Specifications
| Property | Electromagnet | Solenoid |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic range | 1×10-8 – 0.1 Am2 | 5×10-9 – 0.1 Am2 |
| Noise level | 1×10-8 Am2 (1×10-5 emu) | 5×10-9 Am2 (5×10-6 emu) |
| Max. sample size (D x L) | ⌀ 5 mm x 9 mm | ⌀ 10 mm x 9 mm |
| Maximum field | 1 T | 0.3 T |
| Temperature range | -180°C – 800°C | room T – 800°C |
Enhancements to Customers Using Variable Field Translation Balance by Mag-Instruments
VFTB Services & Accessories
Variable Field Translation Balance Upgrade (FORC, Sensitivity, and Speed)
The Variable Field Translation Balance (VFTB) upgrade service is designed to enhance the control electronics of your device and provide free access to the new software and all its future updates. The upgrade is installed on-site and includes an overhaul of the device, effectively rejuvenating your Variable Field Translation Balance. After the installation and maintenance, training is provided to ensure you get the most out of your device.
Major Improvements
- FORC measurements
- Increased sensitivity of the system by up to an order of magnitude
- Auto-calibration of sample positioning and system operational frequency optimizes sensitivity and improves the repeatability of the measurements
- Increased speed and accuracy of electromagnet remanent magnetization compensation
- Multiple hardware and software safety features (e.g., oven overheating protection, water flow detection, etc.)
- Automatic saving of plot images together with measurement data for easy data verification
- Advanced vector graphics export of measurement plots for direct use in your articles
- Signal processing and power stages necessary for new susceptibility unit
On-site Refurbishing
- Readjustment of all movable components of the device (main balance, measurement unit placement, linear guide suspension, translation balance, etc.)
- Calibration of device’s operational parameters (natural frequency, sample positions, hall probe positioning, pole pieces position, etc.)
- Overall clean up and tidying up of the device
Benefits of upgrading VFTB
- Improved discrimination of different magnetic phases in the samples
- Enhanced sensitivity and speed
- Access to new software and future updates
- Comprehensive on-site refurbishing and training
- Enhanced safety features
Susceptibility Unit
This is a new measurement unit based on the further development of principles described by Petersen & Petersen. It provides the possibility to simultaneously measure the reversible and irreversible parts of magnetization. The unit contains an oven chamber, cooling, gradient (forcer), and susceptibility coils. It replaces your old measurement unit.
The susceptibility coils, together with the new control electronics and software, allow for simultaneous measurement of the sample’s total and reversible magnetization (susceptibility).
A brief description of its advantages
The Variable Field Translation Balance (VFTB) offers significant advantages in thermomagnetic curve and hysteresis measurements. In thermomagnetic curve measurement, the reversible magnetization part in weak sus-fields equates to the sample’s normal susceptibility, with its temperature dependency being crucial for determining the Curie temperature via the Hopkinson peak. When a strong field is applied to the sample before heating, the simultaneous measurement of temperature dependency of remanence and susceptibility reveals both the unblocking temperature of the remanence and the Curie temperature of the sample.
In hysteresis measurement, the slope of the hysteresis curve approximates its susceptibility (measured in different fields). However, a detailed examination shows a characteristic difference between the hysteresis slope and the actual reversible part of the magnetization, which is uniquely dependent on the sample’s magnetic domain state.
Result examples
Below, we present three results of thermomagnetic curve acquisition. All the samples were given remanent magnetization prior to heating. Sample 1 is cooled in the zero field, and samples 2-3 are cooled in the 10 Oe field. Green and magenta are the susceptibility curves of heating and cooling, respectively. Red and blue are the magnetization curves of heating and cooling, respectively. Simultaneous measurement of reversible (susceptibility) and irreversible (remanent) magnetization provides improved discrimination of different magnetic phases in the samples.
Accessories for the VFTB device
We provide full maintenance and support for existing VFTB devices. Our services include systematic maintenance and device calibration, assistance in moving your device to other premises1, and customized software development2. We also offer a series of accessories. Please get in touch with us should you need any other accessories or have any individual requests.
Sample Holders
These are made of quartz and are designed to hold samples for testing with the VFTB device. They are available for all existing versions of VFTB.
Drill Bits
Mag-Instruments offers hollowed diamond drill bits for extracting samples from solid rock. Using these cylindrical samples can provide the highest density of the measured material that fits inside the sample holder, thus ensuring the best sensitivity of the device.
Quartz Wool
This high-temperature-resistant quartz wool is used to fix the sample inside the sample holder. This helps to ensure that the sample stays in place during testing.
1 Please make sure that you do not move your VFTB without our assistance, as the device is equipped with very sensitive components that can easily be broken during moving if not handled properly. Fixing a broken VFTB may involve much higher expenses than reaching for our assistance.
2 Customized software development is possible only for customers using our new software versions after the VFTB upgrade or customers who purchased the VFTB device after March 2014.
Enhancements to Customers Using Variable Field Translation Balance (VFTB) Instrument
VFTB Application Fields
The VFTB’s versatility enables its application across multiple scientific disciplines, providing valuable information about magnetic properties and aiding in diverse research areas such as geosciences, archaeology, environmental sciences, and material sciences.
Geosciences:
- Investigation of magnetic properties in rocks, sediments, and soils to understand their formation processes and magnetization acquisition.
- Determination of proxy parameters such as grain size and mineralogy for geoscientific analyses.
Archaeology & Magnetometry:
- Characterization of the magnetic properties of soil samples and materials from archaeological sites, aiding in the interpretation of magnetic anomalies in magnetograms.
- Thermomagnetic analysis of baked archaeological artifacts to obtain information about historic kiln temperatures.
Environmental Sciences:
- Utilization of magnetic properties in soil and sediments as indicators of environmental changes.
- Application of magnetic proxies for paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic studies.
Material Sciences:
- Determination of material-specific magnetic properties like coercivity, saturation magnetization, and Curie temperature.
- Analysis of AC susceptibility, hysteresis, backfield, and First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) measurements to gain insights into grain size and grain interactions in ferromagnetic materials.