Performance of Magnetic Pulsed-Eddy-Current System Using High Dynamic and High Linearity Improved Giant MagnetoResistance Magnetometer

Eddy-current nondestructive testing is commonly carried out using single-frequency time-harmonic excitations. Pulsed excitation offers a simple and effective alternative to classical eddy-current techniques and is classically implemented with coil(s) (transmitter and/or receiver). We present a pulsed-eddy-current-system alternative using a high-performance giant magnetoresistance magnetometer is presented. An analytical solution of the magnetic flux density created by the transient eddy current is given. Comparison with experimental results shows that the approximations are accurate (1% or better). System performances are presented and discussed versus sensor characteristics and compared to classical ones (transmitter/receiver coil systems)