Design and development of a low temperature, inductance based high frequency ac susceptometer

Abstract

We report on the development of an induction based low temperature high frequency ac susceptometer capable of measuring at frequencies up to 3.5 MHz and at temperatures between 2 K and 300 K. Careful balancing of the detection coils and calibration have allowed a sample magnetic moment resolution of $5\times 10^{-10}A{m}^2$ at 1 MHz. We will discuss the design and characterization of the susceptometer, and explain the calibration process. We also include some example measurements on the spin ice material CdEr${}_2$S${}_4$ and iron oxide based nanoparticles to illustrate functionality.