Exploration of Quartz Tuning Forks as Potential Magnetometers for Nanomagnets

A change in the resonance frequency, $f_0 \approx 32$ kHz, of quartz tuning forks is expected when nano-sized magnetic particles or films are applied to a fork that is then exposed to a variable magnetic field. This work explores the feasibility of using these forks, once removed from their protective canisters, as potentially inexpensive magnetometers operating at room temperature in fields up to 2~T, and eventually up to 9~T, by analyzing the responses of loaded forks in such a field. However, the forks are also dependent on subtle variations of the ambient temperature, and the magnetic leads may present a background signal that must be subtracted. Preliminary results are encouraging, but better understanding of the noise sources must be made for these forks to be used as envisioned.