Patent ID: 6714007
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
An optically-powered integrated microstructure magnetic field gradient sensor comprising:a substrate supporting a polysilicon shell having an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface defining an evacuated cavity enclosing an area of said substrate, said outer surface of said shell defining an area surrounded by supports extending from a plane of said substrate; a microbeam affixed to said inner surface of said shell within said evacuated cavity by posts; a photodiode integrated into said substrate at a surface location beneath said microbeam; a cantileveredly supported magnetically permeable element suspended in mechanical connection to said outer surface of said shell within said area surrounded by said supports; and an optical fiber having a distal end and a proximate end, said proximate end disposed at said outer surface of said shell within said area surrounded by said supports.