Graphene Hall Sensors: Magnetic Field Sensing for Next Generation Challenges

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Magnetic field sensing has long been a cornerstone of advancing technology, from industrial applications to emerging research. Hall sensors, widely used for this purpose, are valued for their simplicity, affordability and reliability. However, traditional, silicon-based Hall sensors often struggle in extreme environments – e.g., high magnetic fields at cryogenic temperatures – due to material limitations.

Enter graphene Hall sensors (GHS), a new class of devices that leverage the unique properties of graphene to overcome these challenges. With their remarkable resilience, wide dynamic range and versatility, GHS are redefining what is possible in magnetic field sensing.

Understanding the Hall Effect and Graphene’s Role

Hall sensors work by measuring changes in resistance caused by a magnetic field, a phenomenon known as the Hall effect. In conventional silicon sensors, these measurements can be hindered when measuring high magnetic fields or at extreme temperatures.

Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon lattice, brings unique advantages to Hall sensors. Its robust covalent bonds make it mechanically and thermally stable, even in the harshest conditions. This enables GHS to operate effectively in magnetic fields ranging from microtesla (µT) to over 30 T, as well as in extreme temperature environments, making them ideal for a range of applications.

High-Field Applications: Accelerators and Electromagnets

The ability of GHS to withstand high magnetic fields and low temperatures has made them invaluable in specialized fields like particle acceleration and electromagnetic systems.

Particle Accelerators

At facilities like CERN, GHS have been used to monitor the homogeneity of magnetic fields within particle accelerators. These fields play a crucial role in guiding particles through intricate paths. GHS, placed directly in the cold systems, track field uniformity and can detect field fluctuations, offering precise insights into the performance of these massive systems.

Electromagnets and Superconducting Magnets

In cryogenic conditions, superconducting magnets generate large fields efficiently by maintaining low energy losses. However, monitoring these fields over time is essential. GHS provides reliable sensing in these environments, offering a non-invasive way of measuring field strength and stability.

Low-Field Applications: From Batteries to Quantum Computing

While high-field applications demonstrate the extraordinary capabilities of GHS, their ability to detect small variations in magnetic fields opens doors to broader commercial applications, including energy systems, automotive testing and cutting-edge quantum computing.

Battery Monitoring and Safety

In battery systems, GHS can measure localized magnetic fields to monitor current flow, monitors current flow, a crucial aspect of estimating state of charge (SOC) and detecting faults. This functionality is critical in preventing thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, a phenomenon that can lead to fires or explosions. GHS can play a role in early warning systems, identifying irregularities before they escalate into safety hazards. The GHS fast response times and non-invasive nature make them particularly suited for electric vehicles (EVs) and large-scale energy storage.

Automotive and Industrial Applications

The compact size and high sensitivity of GHS enable their integration into hard-to-access areas of vehicles, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), engine management systems and transmissions. Additionally, they could play a role in assessing the lifespan of EV batteries, helping to determine their suitability for secondary applications like stationary energy storage.

The size and sensitivity benefits of GHS promise further industrial applications, serving as high-precision position sensors for brushless DC motors and robotic tools. By providing this superior precision with substantially less energy use, GHS stand to benefit both performance and cost efficiency for these industrial projects.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing relies on cryogenic environments and precise control of magnetic fields. Qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information, are highly sensitive to magnetic interference. GHS are ideal for these settings, offering low-power sensing with minimal environmental impact. They can detect even subtle magnetic disturbances and verify the efficacy of magnetic shielding, ensuring optimal performance during quantum operations.

The Road Ahead for GHS

Graphene Hall sensors represent a significant step forward in magnetic field sensing. Their exceptional mechanical, electrical and thermal properties allow them to perform in environments where traditional sensors falter, particularly with respect to measurements of fields in excess of 20T and in mK environments. Whether in high-field research settings or commercial low-field applications, GHS are poised to become a vital tool for industries and researchers alike.

As the technology matures, continued advancements in graphene fabrication and integration are expected to expand the reach of GHS into even more diverse applications, solidifying graphene’s role as the material of the future for magnetic sensing.

Get in touch today

At Paragraf, we’re not just developing GHS; we’re paving the way for next-generation sensing solutions. Contact our team to discover how our customizable and scalable graphene-based sensors can provide solutions in your industry, from cryogenics to automotive and beyond.

 

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