Using an induction coil sensor to indirectly measure the <i>B</i> -field response in the bandwidth of the transient electromagnetic method

Abstract The traditional sensor used in transient electromagnetic (EM) systems is an induction coil. This sensor measures a voltage response proportional to the time rate of change of the magnetic field in the EM bandwidth. By simply integrating the digitized output voltage from the induction coil, it is possible to obtain an indirect measurement of the magnetic field in the same bandwidth. The simple integration methodology is validated by showing that there is good agreement between synthetic voltage data integrated to a magnetic field and synthetic magnetic-field data calculated directly. Further experimental work compares induction-coil magnetic-field data collected along a profile with data measured using a SQUID magnetometer. These two electromagnetic profiles look similar, and a comparison of the decay curves at a critical point on the profile shows that the two types of measurements agree within the bounds of experimental error. Comparison of measured voltage and magnetic-field data show that the two sets of profiles have quite different characteristics. The magnetic-field data is better for identifying, discriminating, and interpreting good conductors, while suppressing the less conductive targets. An induction coil is therefore a suitable sensor for the indirect collection of EM magnetic-field data.