Patent ID: 6396263
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A magnetic potential mapping device, comprising:an optically active element having a longitudinal length, a rectangular cross section, a first end and a second end; said second end is positioned at a point of interest having a given magnetic field and a given magnetic potential; said first end being a first reference point with a known magnetic potential and said second end being a second reference point; a light source disposed near said first end transmits a wave of plane polarized light through said element; said wave of plane polarized light, being influenced by said given magnetic field, rotates within said element to produce a rotating polarized light wave with an angle of rotation; a light detection means disposed near said second end measures said angle of rotation to provide a measured angle of rotation, &thgr;, based on a difference in magnetic potential, F, between said first reference point and said second reference point, according to the formula: &thgr;=K(F2âˆ’F1) â€ƒwhere said K is a constant material characteristic of said element; said difference in magnetic potential, F, being a relative magnetic potential; said given magnetic field is derived from said relative magnetic potential; and determining multiple angles of rotation throughout said given magnetic field with respect to said first reference point to provide a magnetic potential distribution map of said point of interest.