Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a first conductive layer on the substrate, a first conductive via, and further conductive layers and conductive vias between the first conductive via and the substrate. The first conductive via is between the substrate and the first conductive layer, and is electrically connected to the first conductive layer. The first conductive via extends through at least two dielectric layers, and has thickness greater than about 8 kilo-Angstroms. An inductor having high quality factor is formed in the first conductive layer and also includes the first conductive via.

Abstract: An apparatus may determine the quality of a fencing blade. The apparatus may include an electrical current source; a fencing blade to be tested for quality; two electrical cables, each connected between the electrical current source and the fencing blade so as to cause current from the current source to travel through at least a portion of the fencing blade; and a magnetic field sensor in sufficient proximity to the fencing blade so as to enable the magnetic field sensor to detect a magnetic field generated by the fencing blade when the current passes through the fencing blade.

Abstract: The inspection device includes: a conveyance route that conveys an inspection object at moving speed v; a first magnetic detector and a second magnetic detector that detect a magnetic field of a magnetic foreign object contained in the inspection object; an amplifying unit that amplifies detection signals of the first magnetic detector and the second magnetic detector; and a computation processing unit that performs processing of multiplying the detection signal of the second magnetic detector by a signal obtained by delaying the detection signal of the first magnetic detector. The first magnetic detector and the second magnetic detector each include one magnetic sensor and the magnetic sensors form a pair.

Abstract: A device is provided for locating a moving object or person in a space partially equipped with inductive surfaces. The device comprises magnetic detection means configured to detect the presence of the object or of the person on or close to an inductive surface, measure a heading angle by way of two simultaneous measurement points and generate dated reference heading angle data for the object or for the person; inertial detection means configured to generate estimated angular speed and acceleration data for the object or for the person; and calculation means coupled to the magnetic and inertial detection means, configured to combine the dated reference heading angle data with the estimated data in order to generated corrected position and orientation data for the object or for the person in the space.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor is disclosed wherein magnetic circuits are constituted by an excitation coil, a first detection coil, and a second detection coil, and the first detection coil and the second detection coil are configured so as to be symmetrical with each other in terms of the magnetic circuits. An inspection system includes: a first input unit to which a signal from the first detection coil is input; a second input unit to which a signal from the second detection coil is input; a difference calculating unit that calculates a difference between a first signal from the first input unit and a second signal from the second input unit; a signal processing unit that processes a difference signal calculated by the difference calculating unit; and an oscillation unit that generates an excitation signal for the excitation coil and a reference signal for the signal processing unit.

Abstract: An inductor is provided, comprising: a first ferrite core piece and a second ferrite core piece, each of which are made of substantially similar materials, exhibit desired electromagnetic properties, and which are fashioned in a substantially similar manner and shape, and wherein each of the first and second ferrite core pieces comprises a substantially planar mating surface, a center post, and a wire core assembly channel, and wherein a first substantially planar mating surface of the first ferrite core piece is adapted to planarly mate with a second substantially planar mating surface of the second ferrite core piece; and a wire core assembly adapted to be substantially self-locating and self-centering about a first or second center post when located in a respective first or second wire core assembly channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce the amplitude of undesirable eddy currents in conducting structures, e.g., induced by the translation of an FRC into a confinement chamber, while leaving beneficial eddy currents unaffected. This is achieved by inducing opposing currents in the same conducting structures prior to plasma translation into the confinement chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a sensor unit is provided, wherein the sensor unit includes a sensor housing, a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor, wherein the first magnetic sensor is adapted to detect magnetic field components in a first direction, wherein the second magnetic sensor is adapted to detect magnetic field components in a second direction, wherein the first direction is not parallel to the second direction. The apparatus further includes a magnetic field generating device, which is adapted so that at least one magnetic field acts on the sensor unit, wherein the calibration of the sensor unit can be carried out with the aid of responses of the first magnetic sensor and of the second magnetic sensor to the magnetic field. A corresponding calibration method is furthermore provided.

Abstract: To provide a surface property inspection sorting apparatus, system, and method capable of efficiently performing steps to evaluate the surface properties of spring-shaped members. A surface property inspection and sorting apparatus 1 includes a surface property inspection device, a measuring member for measuring the surface properties of the spring-shaped members M, and a sorting means for sorting the spring-shaped members into good and bad parts. The measuring member is constituted so that spring-shaped members can pass through an inspection detector, and the surface properties of the spring-shaped member can be evaluated and a pass/fail judgment made by a surface property inspection device based on output signals output from an AC bridge circuit while the spring-shaped member passes through the inspection detector.

Abstract: A metal sensor, a method for analyzing a measurement signal of the sensor, and a method for detecting an object surrounded by a medium via the sensor. The metal sensor has at least one transmission coil and at least one receiving coil system inductively coupled to each other, wherein the receiving coil system comprises at least one first receiving coil and at least one second receiving coil located in a same plane; the transmission coil forms a projection on the plane; an area formed by the first receiving coil on the plane contains the projection; and an area formed by the second receiving coil on the plane is arranged around the projection. The receiving coils are arranged to have a same winding direction, produce induction with a second magnetic field generated by a target metal object, and generate induced voltages superimposed on one another other on the receiving coils.

Abstract: Flexible magnetic cores for generating magnetic fields in a utility locator system sonde are disclosed. The flexible core includes an elongate resiliently deformable rod and a flexible elongate structure of a high permeability ferromagnetic material disposed around the elongate resiliently deformable rod, with the resiliently deformable rod comprising fiberglass rod or similar resilient materials, and the flexible elongate structure comprising a plurality of bundles of wires of a high permeability/low loss ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A parking inventory management system includes a sensor apparatus with a plurality of magnetometers each configured to respectively generate a magnetic signatures of a vehicle as it drives across the sensor apparatus. A computing device is associated with the sensor apparatus and compares the magnetic signatures of the vehicle generated by each of the plurality of magnetometers to the magnetic signatures of the vehicle generated by each other magnetometer of the plurality thereof so as to determine a direction of the vehicle. A match between the magnetic signature of the vehicle as generated by at least two of the plurality of magnetometers indicates that the direction of travel of the vehicle is along a direction between those two of the plurality of magnetometers. A speed of the vehicle is derived as a function of a time difference between points of peak similarity between matching magnetic signatures of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring use of a carriageway, the carriageway having two or more lanes (12, 14, 16) for use by vehicles travelling in a single direction A, the apparatus including: a pair of inductive loops (20abc, 22abc) on or in the surface of each lane (12, 14, 16), the loops in the pair being positioned substantially side-by-side across the lane (12, 14, 16) and the pairs of loops (18a, 18b, 18c) being positioned substantially side-by-side across the carriageway, each pair of loops (18abc) substantially extending across the full width of the lane (12, 14, 16), and each loop having a length in the direction of vehicle travel which is substantially shorter than the width of the loop across the lane; a loop controller associated with each loop, each loop controller energising its associated loop and carrying out measurements of the inductance of its associated loop; and processing means for receiving the measurements from the loop controllers, and for using the measurements for calculating the

Abstract: A multi-frequency inductive sensing system can be used for spectrographic material analysis of a conductive target material (such as tissue) based on electrical impedance spectroscopy. An inductive sensor can be driven with an excitation current at multiple sensor excitation frequencies (?) to project a time-varying magnetic field into a sensing area on the surface of the target material, inducing eddy currents within the target material. The inductive sensor can be characterized by a sensor impedance Z(?) as a function of the sensor excitation frequency (?), and the resulting induced eddy currents. Multiple sensor impedance Zs(?) measurements, at the multiple sensor excitation frequencies (?), can be determined, which represent electromagnetic properties of the target material (such as permittivity ?, permeability ?, and resistivity ?), based on the induced eddy currents.

Abstract: A system includes a motion switch module, an energy storage module, a resistive module, and an interface. The motion switch module includes at least one motion activated switch that is movable between an open and a closed position responsive to movement of an axle to which the motion switch module is coupled. The energy storage module includes at least one energy storage element that discharges a stored charge responsive to a motion of the corresponding at least one motion activated switch from the open to the closed position. The resistive module includes least one resistive element that dissipates energy discharged by the corresponding at least one energy storage module. The interface is configured to provide information regarding a change in charge state of the at least one energy storage element, wherein the change in charge state corresponds to a movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for testing a magnetic sensor according to one embodiment includes a discharge circuit to cause a discharge event on a magnetic sensor; a bias generation circuit to apply at least one first bias current to the sensor and at least one second bias current to the sensor, the second bias current being different than the first bias current; a resistance determination circuit to determine a resistance of the magnetic sensor at each of the applied bias currents; and a damage determination circuit to determine whether the magnetic sensor is damaged and/or was fixed by a discharge event based on the resistances.

Abstract: Provided are a probe and an apparatus for measuring a thickness of an oxide layer of a fuel rod, capable of testing claddings of inner and outer fuel rods of a nuclear fuel assembly without disassembling the nuclear fuel assembly. The probe includes a fuel rod transfer region on which an eddy current sensor capable of continuously testing claddings of outer fuel rods of a fixed nuclear fuel assembly is mounted. Further, the apparatus includes a frame in which a cylinder driven in upward and downward directions is mounted, a first probe connected to one side of the cylinder in order to test claddings of outer fuel rods of a nuclear fuel assembly, and a second probe connected to the other side of the cylinder in order to test claddings of inner fuel rods of the nuclear fuel assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. A magnetic force between the battery and a magnet is detected. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the detected magnetic force.

Abstract: A switching sensor may automatically configure itself to a sinking or a sourcing mode by monitoring the voltage of its switched output to determine a loading configuration associated with each of these operating modes. The auto detection may occur not only at start up but also during operation of the sensor by monitoring the output voltage or current in coordination with knowledge about the intended state of the output by the sensor. A manual selection of the operating mode and override of the autodetect feature may be provided for cases when multiple sensors are connected in parallel.

Abstract: A magnetometer is described, having a substrate and a magnetic core, the substrate having an excitation coil for generating a magnetic flux in the magnetic core; and the excitation coil having a coil cross section, which is aligned generally perpendicular to a main plane of extension of the substrate. The magnetic core is situated outside the coil cross section.

Abstract: An eddy current testing probe includes: exciter coils 2 including a first exciter coil 2a and a second exciter coil 2b identical with each other and arranged in point symmetry, and each of which generates an alternating magnetic field to generate an eddy current in a test object; and detector coils 1 including a first detector coil 1a and a second detector coil 1b identical with each other, arranged in point symmetry, arranged in phase, and differentially connected to each other. The exciter coils 2 and the detector coils 1 are arranged on a single plane. A center of symmetry O on a center line of symmetry CL2 of the coils 2a, 2b, is identical with a center of symmetry O on a center line of symmetry CL1 of the coils 1a, 1b, and the CL1 intersects with the CL2 at a right angle.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a lightning current detection sensor that has a configuration resistant to high voltage and high current in a lightning strike and has high sensitivity and high resolution. In a lightning current detection sensor 10, an insulation-coated wire 22 wound in multiple turns is collectively covered with a base tape 21 and a cover tape 23. Thus, even when the insulation-coated wire 22 is wound in multiple turns to increase sensitivity, a minute area can be detected to increase resolution. Also, with the base tape 21 and the cover tape 23 covering the insulation-coated wire 22 and also a shield portion 12 made of an insulating material and a gap 40 formed between the shield portion 12 and the coil portion 20, a sufficient shielding property is ensured and detection with high accuracy can be performed against high current and high voltage without capacitative coupling.

Abstract: The condition of internal or hidden material layers or interfaces is monitored and used for control of a process that changes a condition of a material system. The material system has multiple component materials, such as layers or embedded constituents, or can be represented with multiple layers to model spatial distributions in the material properties. The material condition changes as a result of a process performed on the material, such as by cold working, or from functional operation. Sensors placed proximate to the test material surface or embedded between material layers are used to monitor a material property using magnetic, electric, or thermal interrogation fields. The sensor responses are converted into states of the material condition, such as temperature or residual stress, typically with a precomputed database of sensor responses.

Abstract: A locator for locating a concealed conductor carrying an alternating current having at least first and second frequencies, the alternating current produced by at least one dedicated signal generator. The locator includes at least one magnetic field sensor operable to convert electromagnetic radiation from the conductor into a field strength signal; a digital analog converter configured to generate a digitized signal dependent upon the field strength signals from the magnetic field sensor; a digital signal processor configured to isolate components of the digitized signal resulting from the first frequency and the second frequency; and process the isolated components to generate one or more signals indicative of the proximity of the conductor to the detector; and an output configured to generate an audio and/or visual indication of the proximity of the conductor, wherein the isolated signal components resulting from the first frequency signal and the second frequency signal are contemporaneously processed.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for sensing metal articles, comprises a transmission coil for producing a magnetic field, two reception coils, which are oriented relative to one another, and electrically connected to one another, in the region of the magnetic field such that a resulting received voltage on the reception coils is zero when the magnetic field acts on both reception coils in the same way, a control device configured to supply the transmission coil with an alternating transmission voltage, and a determination device configured to determine the metal article on the basis of the received voltage. In this arrangement, the control device is further configured to control RMS value for the transmission voltage such that the received voltage remains below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for sensing current flowing the electric cord of an electric appliance. The electric cord includes at least two current carrying wires. The apparatus includes a current sensing unit, a computing unit, a power source and a housing. The current sensing unit is arranged proximate to the electric cord, the current sensing unit includes a three or more axis sensor operative to detect the changes in magnitude and orientation of magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the current carrying wires of the electric cord for generating an electrical signal. The computing unit is programmed to compute the value of current flowing from the generated electrical signal. The power source is operative to power the current sensing unit. The housing is operative to house the current sensing unit and the power source.

Abstract: A water-chamber working apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes a movable body that can move along a tube plate 12 of a steam generator 10, an extendable member 21 that extends and retracts in a direction in which a first coupling portion 21d approach each other and a direction in which these portions move away from each other, where the first coupling portion 21d is attached to a maintenance hatch 15 via a first joint 23a including two rotation axes intersecting with each other, and the second coupling portion 21e is attached to the movable body via a second joint 23b including two rotation axes intersecting with each other, which are different from the rotation axes of the first joint 23a.

Abstract: A system for testing a magnetic sensor has a plurality of coils, wherein the coils are positioned along perpendicular planes. A magnetic field is generated along each of the perpendicular planes when a current is sent to each of the plurality of coils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view (28), in particular for examination of human patients.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for sensing current are described herein. One device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a tunneling magnetoresistance material between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A magnetometer which includes an elongate reactor in which a sample can be secured in a sample support zone and which is located within a magnetic field space of a magnetic field generator and one or more signal pickup coils. Movement generating means is provided for generating relative movement in a generally linear direction between the reactor and at least one of the magnetic field and pickup coil, preferably by moving the reactor in its length. The magnetometer is characterised in that the reactor is a metal tube having a length which permits its ends to remain external of the signal pickup device during the relative movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for calibrating and measuring the magnetizability of at least a part of a rail, for instance a rail for guiding means of transport. The system includes a magnetic field generator for generating a changing magnetic field transverse to a longitudinal direction of the rail. The magnetic field generator comprises a substantially saddle-shaped transmitter coil arranged to be placed partly around the rail. The system further includes an induction detector for measuring a transverse induction. The system may further include a magnetic field generator for generating a changing magnetic field in the longitudinal direction, an induction detector arranged for measuring a longitudinal induction, and a processing unit arranged for determining a reference induction, on the basis of the transverse induction, and determining a longitudinal mechanical stress in rail on the basis of the longitudinal induction and the reference induction.

Abstract: A system according to one embodiment includes a power supply for charging a lead of a magnetic sensor to a voltage; an interface for operatively coupling the power supply to the lead of the magnetic sensor; a relay for selectively coupling the lead of the magnetic sensor to ground for causing a discharge event, wherein the discharge event reverses a magnetic orientation of a pinned layer of the magnetic sensor; and a shorting resistor between the relay and ground.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a semiconductor die including a first magnetic field sensor. The integrated circuit includes an isolation material layer over the first magnetic field sensor and a sintered metal layer over the isolation material layer. The first magnetic field sensor is configured to sense a magnetic field generated by a current passing through the sintered metal layer.

Abstract: A method for quasi-static testing a magnetic recording head read sensor is described. The method includes applying a first voltage to a heater in the magnetic recording head and measuring an output of the magnetic recording head read sensor while applying the first voltage to the heater and recording the measured output as a first set of measurements. The method further includes applying a second voltage to the heater in the magnetic recording head and measuring the output of the magnetic recording head read sensor while applying the second voltage to the heater and recording the measured output as a second set of measurements. The first and second sets of measurements are then compared.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for sensing metal articles, comprises a transmission coil for producing a magnetic field, two reception coils, which are oriented relative to one another, and electrically connected to one another, in the region of the magnetic field such that a resulting received voltage on the reception coils is zero when the magnetic field acts on both reception coils in the same way, a control device configured to supply the transmission coil with an alternating transmission voltage, and a determination device configured to determine the metal article on the basis of the received voltage. In this arrangement, the control device is further configured to control RMS value for the transmission voltage such that the received voltage remains below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A search coil assembly comprises a transmit coil operable for radiating a magnetic field in response to a time varying current. The transmit coil comprises a conductive path being disposed at least within a transmit plane for radiating the magnetic field. At least one receive coil is operable for inducting a current in response to a time varying magnetic field. The receive coil comprises a conductive path being disposed within a receive plane for inducting the current. The receive coil is positionable to place the receive plane and the transmit plane in a substantially orthogonal orientation with the receive plane being substantially within null regions of the transmit coil's magnetic field, in which a metallic object, at a distance from the search coil assembly, reacts to a radiated magnetic field from the transmit coil, and the receive coil inducts a current in response to the reaction.

Abstract: In a process for testing the measurement accuracy of at least one magnetic field sensor, in particular during manufacturing, a semiconductor wafer that has at least two semiconductor chips is provided. A measurement coil is integrated into at least one first semiconductor chip, and a magnetic field-sensitive electric circuit is integrated into at least one second semiconductor chip that forms the magnetic field sensor. The first semiconductor chip, of which at least one is present, is positioned at an exciter coil that is supplied with current in order to generate a reference magnetic field. With the aid of the measurement coil a first measured value that is dependent on the magnetic flux density is acquired and the current in the exciter coil is adjusted depending on the first measured value. The second semiconductor chip, of which at least one is present, is positioned at the exciter coil.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus comprises a first magnetic transducer which in use is positioned on a first side of a barrier and a second magnetic transducer which in use is positioned on a second side of the barrier opposite the first side. The second transducer comprises a magnetic or electrical property which is dependent upon a sensible condition on the second side of the barrier, such as the pressure or temperature on the second side of the barrier. In operation, the first transducer generates a first magnetic field which induces the second transducer to generate a second magnetic field that is dependent upon the magnetic or electrical property of the second transducer. The first transducer detects the second magnetic field and generates a signal which is representative of the sensible condition on the second side of the barrier.

Abstract: A device for non-destructive control of a component analyzes distribution of a leakage magnetic field emitted by the component when it is subjected to an exciting magnetic field, includes means for generating an exciting magnetic field inside the component to be tested, and means for detecting and measuring the distribution of the magnetic field. The set of means is integrated in a flexible housing to form a device in the form of a flexible coating for being fixed on a region of the surface of the component to be tested. The disclosed embodiments are useful for non-destructive testing of aircraft components, but may also be used in all industrial sectors where testing the integrity of components is important, such as the automotive, railway, marine or nuclear industry.

Abstract: A current sensor includes a printed circuit and current lines. The printed circuit comprises a stack, along a vertical direction, of metallization layers mechanically separated by electrically insulating layers, and a measurement or excitation coil wound around a vertical winding axis. The coil is formed by conductive tracks made in at least one metallization layer. One or more current lines are positioned in a plane parallel to the layers and are configured to be supplied with currents to be measured. The coil comprises turns formed by conductive tracks, made in respective metallization layers, electrically connected to one another by pads passing through at least one of the electrically insulating layers, to form a coil that extends along the vertical winding axis.

Abstract: A method of analyzing minerals received within a mining shovel bucket includes collecting data associated with ore received in the bucket, where the bucket includes at least one active sensor, where the ore includes one or more mineral, and where the ore is within a field of the active sensor. The method further includes determining a content of the minerals using the data, transmitting information relating to the content of the minerals to a decision support system, and sorting or processing the ore based on an output of the decision support system. Collecting data associated with the ores may include generating source signals, applying the source signals to the active sensor, collecting a response from the active sensor, and comparing the response with a reference or threshold. Other features are disclosed.

Abstract: An opposing field sensing element for ferromagnetic cable inspection is disclosed that uses magnetic flux sources and a magnetic flux sensor to detect anomalies in ferromagnetic cables. An array of opposing field sensing elements may be used to non-invasively inspect systems that contain ferromagnetic cables such as conveyer belts and the like. The opposing field sensing element is small and compact, and immune to vertical axis flutter and disturbances of the ferromagnetic cable being inspected. In addition, the opposing field sensing element does not magnetize the ferromagnetic cable being inspected such that interference with other sensing and control systems is minimized.

Abstract: Device for determining wear in a carbon ceramic brake disk. The device includes a coil arrangement having at least one coil structured and arranged to generate a magnetic field in the brake disk and to detect an eddy current in the brake disk, and an arcuate measuring area.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection tool includes two pole magnets oriented at an oblique angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the tool body. An array of sensor coil sets is located between opposing edges of the two pole magnets and oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. Each sensor coil set includes a transmitter coil and two opposing pairs of receiver coils that are gated to receive reflections from the wall of a tubular member. Because the line of sensor coils is rotated relative to the magnetic bias field, the receiver coils are in-line with, and have the same angular orientation as, the transmitter coil. The tool provides improved sensitivity to small defects, substantial decrease in RF pulser power requirements, full circumferential coverage, self-calibration of the transmitted signals, and less interference between transmitter coils caused by acoustic ring around.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of analysing a magnetic material which includes the construction of a signature S(H) of the magnetic material formed from at least two points S(H)P, this construction including obtaining the value of each point S(H)P by measuring, over each period fraction, the amplitude and possibly the phase of a harmonic of the magnetic field induced in the magnetic material, said amplitude and phase being obtained in response only to an excitation during this period fraction, the harmonic having a frequency nfH, where n is a non-zero positive integer; and the identification and/or the determination of the mass of the magnetic material from several points of the constructed signature S(H).

Abstract: An automated, non-destructive anhysteretic magnetization characterization method for studying and modeling soft magnetic materials. This measurement method employs a “reading-waveform” that allows multiple points of reference to be established in tracing out the B waveform. In using the reference values from this waveform, the components of B that cannot be measured directly may be calculated with precision. In turn, the initial magnitude of the B waveform is identified as the unknown component of the anhysteretic state. The processes can be repeated for different values of static fields as well as a function of temperature to produce a family of anhysteretic magnetization curves. The core characterization was performed without physically altering the core, so that the true anhysteretic magnetization curve, and the true B-H loop under applied bias H, is measured.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing an assembly of at least one transmission coil (B1) and one reception coil (B2) for eddy current testing, the reception coil receiving in the absence of fault a complex amplitude signal VR, subject to a variation ?VR in the presence of a characteristic fault to be detected. The method consists in selecting the distance ?ER between the axes of the transmission coil and the reception coil so as to maximize the ratio I?VR/VRI.

Abstract: A simplified micro-magnetic based sensor and a system built with it for detecting or measuring acceleration, speed, position, placement, tilt, and vibration are disclosed for a reduced product size, simplified manufacturing process, and reduced product cost. Both simplified micro-magnetic sensor and simplified micro-magnetic sensor system include a primary micro inductor and a secondary micro inductor coupled with a micro magnetically permeable dynamic medium element that is small, simple and low cost to manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for determining at least one electromagnetic quantity characterizing an electromagnetic property of an object, in particular a human body, wherein said object contains magnetic particles. The apparatus (100) applying the known principle of Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) comprises selection means for generating a magnetic selection field (50) having the known field pattern showing a field free point (FFP), drive means for changing the position in space of the FFP by means of a magnetic drive field, receiving means for acquiring detection signals depending on the magnetization of the magnetic particles within a field of view (28) and a reconstruction unit (152) for reconstructing a particle distribution quantity depending on the detection signals.