Force sensing utilizing a CoFeSiB microwire: a preliminary experimental study

Amorphous materials, and FeSi-based in particular, have peculiar magneto-mechanical properties which promote their use in many applications: from microelectronics to instrumentation and measurement. In this study, we investigate the use of a CoFeSiB microwire for force sensing purposes. We utilize an inductive method and a linear actuator to assess the magnetic sample behavior while applying a controlled tensile force. The results showed a complex behavior of the magnetization saturation and residual magnetization vs the tensile stress; however, after a threshold force value, a linear relationship is observed between the magnetic parameters and the applied force. Therefore, the performance utilizing different readout strategies are assessed, and the results are discussed concerning the recent literature.