Giant Magnetoimpedance Effect in a Co-Based Microwire for Quick-Response Magnetic Sensor Applications

Development of autobiased linear field sensors based on asymmetrical giant magnetoimpedance (AGMI) effect in Corich amorphous microwires upon the application of a biasing dc current is approached. Upon biasing dc currents, the highest field sensitivity of AGMI of 20%/Oe was found at a biasing dc current of 10 mA. The reduction of the AGMI under a biasing dc current of 25 mA and a frequency of 10 MHz has been observed. The result indicates that an optimum design of autobiased linear field sensors based on AGMI can be achieved by applying the biasing dc current of 10 mA and in the frequency range of 100 kHz–5 MHz. A stress-induced change in AGMI has also been found in these microwires and this offers a new approach to the development of stress sensors. All these features make the Co-rich amorphous microwire a multifunctional and smart material that can be used for different purposes of sensing applications.