GEM Systems, Inc. - Advanced Magnetometers since 1980

GEM has had a long and growth-oriented history - starting as Geophysical Electromagnetic Systems, a consulting partnership, and incorporating in 1980 as GEM Systems, Inc. Formed by Drs. Ivan Hrvoic and Jasna Hrvoic, the company continues to be managed by Dr. I. Hrvoic - who contributes many years of expertise in geophysical instrumentation and electronic design.

In the late 60's and early 70's, Dr. Hrvoic worked as Senior Research Engineer by Scintrex Ltd. During this time, initial research was conducted into the feasibility and design of a Continuous Reading High Sensitivity Airborne Overhauser Magnetometer. This work was completed by GEM in 1983 through a research grant, and led to the first of an innovative series of magnetometer / gradiometer technologies.

Ground and Stationary Solutions

Commercial success of the GSM-8 proton precession magnetometer led to early expansion and creation of the GSM-9, the first pulsed Overhauser magnetometer and the portable Overhauser Memory Magnetometer - a joint research effort with Lamontagne Geophysics. GSM-10 and 18 magnetometers were also developed and were received well in the resource exploration market.

The company has also developed solutions for other fields, such as UXO, volcanology, earthquake prediction, and engineering and environmental disciplines. For more information on ground solutions, click here.

As the company's reputation as a proven supplier of instrumentation for total field measurement grew, they branched into other fields including the observatory field. Today, Overhauser magnetometers have replaced many of the conventional proton precession installations around the world. To see more details on stationary instruments, click here.

Airborne Initiatives - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

GEM's first airborne project was a vertical helicopter-borne gradiometer created in co-operation with Urtec Instruments and Geotech. It was based on a simple, yet effective self-oscillating Overhauser system. The company also developed the inexpensive GSM-11 airborne magnetometer that contributed to the commercial success of Terraquest Surveys and H. Ferderber Geophysics.

Airborne initiatives continue to be a strong focus, especially with the commercialization of a new GEM-developed potassium optically-pumped technology that is designed to address the limitations of traditional cesium sensors. For more information, click here.

Overhauser Technology at the Forefront

Following expansion in 1987, the company launched the GSM-19. This memory magnetometer combines Overhauser technology with proprietary free-radical solutions and firmware that is also able to accept other geophysical methods such as VLF and multiple gradiometer channels.

With the success of the GSM-19 Overhauser system, the company has dedicated significant effort in making this unit one of the most advanced magnetometer technologies today.

Gem's team of engineers have re-packaged the system and enhanced cycle times while establishing industry benchmarks for low weight, low power consumption and high sensitivity.

A Long-term Focus on R&D

Continuing research in the 90's led to the development of Gem's own signal counter which has been incorporated in many systems and improved considerably since its inception. The company continues to incorporate its own designs into its firmware, hardware and software -- and these are consistent and proven areas of innovation for the company. Recent upgrades to the QuickTracker™ (GSM-19T) instrument include migration to the v6.0 firmware platform on which all of Gem's other products are based.

Gem's optically-pumped potassium magnetometer / gradiometer (i.e. the SuperSenser™ family of products) also represents one of the few commercially and technically viable potassium instruments available.

A Longer Term Emphasis on Its Customers

Through its more than two decades of service to the land, airborne and observatory professional community, GEM has continued to seek optimal solutions that will enable its customers to work more cost efficiently and effectively.

In partnership with companies, such as Terraplus Inc., and its network of agents and representatives around the world, GEM thanks its customers and potential customers for their continuing support and input.

Customer input is particularly valued as GEM continues to anticipate strong growth and an ongoing commitment to addressing its customers' real-world earth science challenges.