A model is presented describing the dynamic response of a single-domain flu
xgate magnetometer over a wide range of operating conditions in terms of a
single measurement of a hysteresis loop or the permeability of the fluxgate
's ferromagnetic core. The model is based on the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert eq
uation, which describes the dynamics of a coherently rotating ferromagnet,
Measurements of the response of a permalloy thin-film fluxgate and a molybd
enum-permalloy tube fluxgate demonstrate the accuracy and limitations of th
e model.