Portable, fixed external field magnetometer for the detection of magnetic signals from samples and the assessment of the amount of magnetic material in the sample

A portable magnetometry device configured to detect the presence of magnetic materials on surfaces of thin organic and inorganic samples, comprising:

• a magnetic system including
• at least two magnetic field generating means, and
• an alternating field gradient system;
• and
• a mechanical system including
• an arm configured to hold a thin organic or inorganic sample, and
• a piezoelectric sensor attached to the arm
• wherein application of a variable field moves the sample being held by the arm away from an equilibrium position in the alternating field gradient system producing a deflection in the piezoelectric sensor;
• a signal generator module configured to generate signals for a magnetic system or a field gradient system;
• a motor module including a control means and a sensor means;
• a power supply connected to the signal generator and the motor module;
• an amplification module connected to the signal generator;
• and
• one or more microcontrollers configured to control the signal generator and the motor module.