Proton Precession

Proton Precession Applications - Latest Technology, Classic Value

The Proton Precession instrument is the total field magnetometer / gradiometer of choice for customers who require:

• Integrated navigation with GPS
• A fraction of an nT sensitivity
• Minimal heading error
• Ease of operation
• Classic affordability
• 32 MB Memory
• Most up-to-date Proton Precession technology available

Selected customers prefer GEM's Proton Precession systems for use in:

• Academic and teaching
• Environmental and engineering
• Magnetic observatory measurements (limited use)
• Mineral exploration (ground work and airborne base station)
• Observatory (older installations)
• Pipeline mapping

Proton Precession Benefits

Proton Precession magnetometers take advantage of well known phenomena –the ability to use DC currents and DC magnetic fields to polarize protons in a proton-rich liquid, and then measure their precession frequency.

The main benefits of GEM’s Proton Precession technology include:

0.05 nT sensitivity. The company’s proton precession solution provides a broad sensitivity range suitable for finding ferrous buried objects.

Minimal heading error. Similar to the Overhauser method, Proton Precession devices are not affected by the heading errors. With Proton Precession, the signals being measured are from one relatively well-defined spectral line, hence, heading errors are minimized naturally.

Ease of operation. GEM’s Proton Precession magnetometers / gradiometers are widely adopted, readily understood technologies.

Cost effectiveness. GEM’s pricing reflects the desire to satisfy its customers who require a magnetometer / gradiometer system with a high-quality entry-level instrumentation package. As noted below, GEM’s v7.0 system also offers customers the same set of functionality as in the GSM-19 Overhauser as a built-in value.

Latest technology. GEM continues to add new functionality to its products and the Proton Precession system is an example of this process and results. The system has all v6.0 features, including GPS functionality and lane guidance; Internet upgrades for firmware replacement without shipping systems back; and spike suppression algorithms.

Understanding the Proton Precession Measuring Sequence

The measurement process is as follows for Proton Precession:

1. The sensor is initially in the static earth’s field

2. A field of about 200 gauss field polarizes in the plane of precession and protons change to align themselves with field

3. Remove field, wait for transients to decay and measure precession frequency

For more information

GEM's white paper provides an overview of Proton Precession magnetometers and gradiometers. You can also refer to the technical papers on this site and the GSM-19T brochure.

If you would like information specific to your work, please visit our Quotations area and submit a Request for Quotation. We would be delighted to provide you with a no-obligation quote suited to your exact needs.