What is a Metal Detector?

Author: CampingFan, 07 25th, 2008
Metal detectors

Metal detectors use electromagnetic induction to detect metal. Uses include de-mining, the detection of weapons such as knives and guns, especially at airports, geophysical prospecting, archaeology and treasure hunting.

In its simplest form, a metal detector consists of an oscillator producing an alternating current that passes through a coil producing an alternating magnetic field. If a piece of electrically conductive metal is close to the coil, eddy currents will be induced in the metal, and this produces an alternating magnetic field of its own. If another coil is used to measure the magnetic field (acting as a magnetometer), the change in the magnetic field due to the metallic object can be detected.


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