B-Dot Probe: Measures time-varying and steady magnetic fields

The B-Dot probe is a diagnostic used to measuring a time-varying magnetic field.  Typical plasma discharges that make use of the B-Dot probe techniques include pulsed and inductive plasmas.  The basic principle behind the B-Dot probe is the idea that a time varying field induces a current in a conducting coil.  The output voltage from the coil is proportional to the cross-sectional area, number of turns in the coil and time characteristic of the magnetic field.  Integration of the B-Dot probe output voltage electronically or numerically can yield time-averaged magnetic field values.

B-dot Probe and ExB Source for Calibration 

1.      Peterson, P. Y., Gallimore, A. D., Haas, J. M., "Experimental Investigation of Hall Thruster Internal Magnetic Field Topography," AIAA-2001-3890, 37th Joint Propulsion Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, July 8-11, 2001.

2.  Peterson, P. Y., Gallimore, A. D., Haas, J. M., "Experimental Investigation of a Hall Thruster Internal Magnetic Field Topography," IEPC-01-030, 27th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Pasadena, CA, October 15-19, 2001.