Introduction

This Quick Start Guide is intended for scientists to quickly get started measuring the Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) on discrete samples with the MFK2-FA Multi-function Kappabridge. For bulk magnetic susceptibility measurements and for more details on frequency- and field-dependence of AMS measurements, the user is referred to MFK2 Multi-function Kappabridge User Guide.

Getting Started

Selecting a sample holder

In addition to the manual sample holder, there are two holders for automatic AMS measurements (Figure 1):

• 1-axis rotator, also called 2D classic holder - sample is measured in three positions
• 3D rotator - sample is measured in one single position

The 3D rotator should not be used for samples with a low susceptibility.

Figure 1: A) Position of the standard in the 1-axis Rotator. B) Position of the standard in the 3D Rotator

Activating the MFK2

1. Turn on power switch on the back of the MFK2 control unit (Figure 2)
   

Figure 2: MFK2 Control Unit

2. Ensure the sample holder is empty and clean. 

3. Select Safyr7 Software on the desktop and the program will launch.

4. Select the Activate button at the bottom left of the window main Safyr 7 window (Figure 3)

Figure 4: Activation of the MFK2

5. In the "Instrument Settings" window, select Anisotropy (AMS)/Automatic (Rotator) in the Measurement Mode box (Figure 5). Select OK.

Figure 5: Instrument Settings window

6. Wait for the initialization of the instrument. Select OK when complete (all actions are green) (Figure 6). Wait for the instrument to stabilize for 10 minutes.

Figure 6: Instrument Activation Window when activation is completed

Measuring samples

User should verify that the Measuring Mode, Field Intensity, and Operation Frequency are properly set before beginning measurements. The instrument automatically detects the type of sample holder (3D or 2D) installed on the unit.

NOTE: If the sample holders are switched the instrument should be turned off before disconnecting the holder.

Configuring the instrument

1. Select Settings>Instrument Settings (Figure 7)
   

a. Verify the measurement mode (default is automatic).

b. Select sample shape, either cube or cylinder when using the 3D rotator (this option does not exist with the 1-axis rotator). Cylinder setting is however recommended.

c. Set Field Intensity. This value defaults to 200 A/m on start up. Recommend default field intensity is 425 A/m. 

d. Verify the operating frequency. Default value F1 (976 Hz) is recommended for basic measurements.

e. When finished, select OK. When the Instrument Configuration window appears, verify configuration is correct and select OK.

Figure 7: Instrument Settings Window (when 3D rotator is used)

2.  Select Settings>Anisotropy Settings>Orientation Parameters. Check the orientation parameters: they should be set to 12/0/12/0.

3. Select Settings>Volume/Mass Susceptibility to input a sample volume and select volume or mass normalization. Default is Volume-Normalized. IODP cubes without the corners (aka J-cubes) have a volume of approximately 7 cc. Cubes cut on the rock saw are approximately 8 cc. Cylinders (minicores) are 10 cc. Select OK when done.

Calibration and Holder Correction

When starting measurements each day a user should measure the holder and calibration standard. This should also be done if the HCORR or CALIB status at the bottom of window are red.

1. Place the AGICO standard in the holder. Position of the calibration standard varies by the holder used (see Figure 1)
   
2. Select Execute>Instrument Calibration. Ensure nothing is blocking the sample holder and press START of the Instrument Calibration window (Figure 8).
   

Figure 8: Instrument Calibration Window

3. If calibration finishes successfully the status bar at the bottom of the window will be green (Figure 8). Select SAVE. If the calibration is not good, the status bar will be red and the user should repeat the procedure.

4. Holder values will be cleared after saving a new calibration. The user will see a pop up window. Select OK. The HCORR will turn red at the bottom right of the window.