Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and detecting magnetization responses from ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic materials comprises a means for generating an alternating magnetic field. The cycle of the alternating magnetic field includes a first magnetization pulse and a second demagnetization pulse, the energy content of the magnetization pulse and the demagnetization pulse being approximately equal, the time duration of the magnetization pulse being substantially longer than the time period of the magnetization pulse, the demagnetization pulse having a higher magnetic field strength than the magnetization pulse magnetic field strength. The effect of the alternating magnetic field on the material to be tested is measured by magnetic field detectors. The field detectors generate electrical signals which are fed to an oscilloscope, a comparator, or a computer for analysis.