Directly coupled de SQUID gradiometers on the basis of YBa2Cu3O7-x for
unshielded NDE measurements are investigated. The influence of differ
ent SQUID layout parameters on tire held sensitivity is shown. A sensi
tivity of 500 fT/(cm .root Hz) is achieved with a baseline of 3.6 mm.
A slit in an aluminium plate was detected in an demonstration of NDE i
n 1 cm depth with eddy current method.