Position sensor based on domain wall propagation in bistable amorphous wires

Abstract The domain wall propagation associated with the magnetization process of a bistable amorphous wire Fe 77.5 B 15 Si 7.5 is analyzed in order to develop a new position detector. The flow of a pulse of electrical current together with the application of a suitable torsional strain gives rise to the axial magnetization process. The characteristic domain wall propagation process is analyzed through the time interval between the onset of the current pulse and the detection of the voltage peak in a pick-up coil placed in one sample end. The dependence of the time interval on the external magnetic field generated by a small permanent magnet is used to present the design of a new position detection method.