The range of induction-coil magnetic field sensors for geophysical explorations

This paper reports the long-term teamwork results obtained by an expert group from the Radiophysical Research Institute (NIRFI) and VEGA Geophysics Ltd. (VEGA, St. Petersburg) in the course of designing modern induction-coil magnetic field sensors. A comparative analysis of the world’s most famous sensor models is carried out, and basic design and testing methods and features are considered. The range of low-noise induction-coil magnetometers (IMS-007, IMS-008, and IMS-009) designed by the authors for scientific and geophysical ground-based explorations is described. Research results are obtained from using the sensors for geothermal water exploration by broadband magnetotelluric sounding, investigation of the deep structure of the lithosphere by controlled source electromagnetic sounding, and monitoring of the Earth’s natural electromagnetic field.