Large-Volume, Magnetically Shielded Room

Technical developments of the last decade have opened up new fields of research in paleomagnetism and biomagnetism. In particular, the main impetus has been the commercial development of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometers, which utilize the Josephson effect to measure extremely small magnetic fields. SQUID magnetometers measure magnetic moments about 100 times smaller than had been possible previously. This improved resolution has allowed paleomagnetists to study remanent magnetism in most sedimentary strata, and has extended considerably both the geographical and the chronological data base available for paleomagnetic research. Similarly, superconducting magnetometers are opening new vistas in physiology and medicine.