Analytical platform for magnetic measurements
The instruments we use are adapted to the experimental specificities of paleomagnetism, archaeomagnetism and mineral magnetism studies. They constitutes one of the most complete sets of instruments in France and in the world. The laboratory regularly welcomes users from outside the IPGP, notably from other French and foreign university laboratories. Finally, the researchers of the lab carry out services and expertise for external institutions and companies.
Our equipments are housed in 4 lab rooms, including a special room that eliminates the Earth’s magnetic, at IPGP in Paris and on the site of the French Magnetic Observatory that the IPGP manages in Chambon-la-Forêt.
Schedule for the use of the instruments of the analytical platform
Magnetometers are used to measure the magnetisation of samples. Depending on the type of magnetometer used, these measurements are carried out in zero field or in an applied field up to 5 T, at room temperature or at temperatures varying between -271°C (2 K) and 800°C (1073 K). Magnetometers are also distinguished by the method of measurement acquisition.
The following instruments are available:
- 2G 755-HR – discrete sample (SQuID sensor)
- 2G 755-HR – multiple samples or u-channel (SQuID sensor)
- Quantum Design MPSM XL-5 EverCool (SQuID sensor)
- AGICO JR-6
- Inductometer for large samples
- Triaxe – 3 devices
- Princeton Measurements VSM / AGM Model 3900
Susceptibility meters measure the induced magnetisation of a sample in the presence of a low field, typically less than 0.5 mT. Our instruments measure magnetic susceptibility between 2 K and room temperature.
- AGICO KLY-3/CS-3/CL-3
- Quantum Design MPMS XL-5 EverCool
- Bartington MS-3
Paleomagnetic furnaces, designed for the thermal demagnetisation of samples, have the specificity of maintaining an extremely low magnetic field, typically less than 20 nT, in their enclosure. Some of our furnaces are also equipped with coils that allow the application of a weak field of the same order as the earth’s magnetic field.
- ASC Model TD-48-SC
- Pyrox furnace – large
- Archeomagnetic furnace – small size
- Paleointensity furnace – small
- Note that the vibrating sample magnetometers called Triaxe incorporate a non-magnetic furnace within their sensor
The demagnetising coils produce an alternating field. The amplitude of the alternating field is variable, allowing progressive demagnetisation of the samples by increasing the value of the applied field. This value can be up to 200 mT, but varies depending on the instrument used.
- DTech Model D-2000T
- Schonstedt
- 2G coil
- Large sample AF demagnetiser
Magnetising coils allow a sample to acquire an artificial magnetisation of the isothermal type in a field generated by a pulsed direct current or of the anhysteretic type in an alternating field superimposed on a direct current.
- MMPM10
- DTECH Model D-2000T
The magnetic imaging system being developed in the laboratory will allow the vertical component of the magnetisation to be mapped in a horizontal plane. The measurement is acquired at room temperature with a SQuID sensor magnetometer.
- Magnetic scanning microscope
The laboratory has all the necessary equipment for sampling (diamond drills for magmatic and sedimentary rocks, paleomagnetic azimuthal orientation measurements). The laboratory has access to a rock preparation workshop (coring, sawing, grinding, etc.) on the Cuvier site as well as on the Chambon-la-Forêt site. Sample preparation areas are also available in our laboratory rooms with ovens, analytical balance, binocular microscope, etc. In addition, the laboratory has a set of equipment (oven, furnace and glove box) dedicated to the alteration of minerals, sediments and rocks in a controlled atmosphere and temperature (< 250°C). The team also has the necessary tools, including a 3D printer.