Physics Project Activity
on
Hall Effect & its Applications
By
Debdeep Bhunia, Srijiv Debnath, Ronil Mukherjee &
Supratit Ghose
Class-XII, Sec-3
Under the guidance of Shri Abhijit Raha Sir
Bhavan’s Gangabux Kanoria Vidyamandir
Saltlake, FA Block, Kolkata
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Introduction
A static magnetic field has no effect on a charged particle unless it is moving. When
charges flow, a mutually perpendicular force (Lorentz force) is induced on the
charge. Now electrons and holes are separated by opposite force. This produces an
electric field (known as Hall field) which depends upon cross product of magnetic field (B)
and current density (J).
The Hall effect was discovered by Edwin Herbert Hall in 1879 in USA even prior to the
discovery of electron by JJ Thomson in 1897.
What is Hall Effect?
The Hall effect is the production of a voltage difference (the Hall voltage) across a
current carrying conductor/ semiconductor (in presence of magnetic field),
perpendicular to both current and the magnetic field.
Following figure (Figure 1) illustrates the Hall effect.
Figure 1: Schematic representation of Hall effect
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Theory:
Charge carriers in a magnetic field experience a Lorentz force
F⃗ =q ( ⃗E +⃗v × ⃗B )
In equilibrium, E=E H , F =0
⇒ E H =−v B cosθ
Current density J is given as
J=σ E=n e v
Substituting, v=J/(ne), one get
1 1
V H= . . I B cosθ
t (−ne)
V H =G R H I B cosθ ;
G =1/t (called Geometric constant), t: thickness of the Hall sensor, RH=-1/(ne) (the
Hall coefficient) & VH is Hall Voltage. Following figure (Figure 2) shows the linear
relationship between Hall voltage and current flowing through sensor.
Measurement of Hall Voltage:
i) Place the Hall element at the center of an electromagnet of 0.3 T
(calibrated and known magnetic field).
ii) Current (in the range of mA) source is connected across the length of the
Hall element. Current reading is provided by in-built ammeter with the
source meter.
iii) Hall voltage (in the range of micro-mV) is measured across the width of
Hall element i.e. perpendicular direction of transport current direction with
a micro-voltmeter of maximum range up to 30 V.
Measurement data:
Input Current (mA) Hall Voltage (mV)
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Hall elements:
Modern Hall elements are mostly produced in semiconductors such as silicon (Si), indium
arsenide (InAs), gallium arsenide (GaAs) or indium antimonide (InSb).
Applications:
i) Magnetic field measurement
Biasing Hall elements with constant current in the sensor, unknown magnetic field is
measured by measuring Hall Voltage.
Figure 2: Hall probes for magnetic field measurement
The sensor produces a voltage proportional to magnetic field.
2) Hall effect sensors are also used as current sensor. When current flows through a
conductor, magnetic field is produced (proportional to the current flowing).
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3) Hall effect sensor is also used to detect position of rotor in DC motor
4) Automotive fuel level indicator
A small and tiny permanent magnet is attached to the floating object of the tank.
Current carrying conductor is fixed at the top of the tank. When the tiny magnet
moves vertically, Hall voltage in current carrying wire changes.
5) Hall effect sensor in smart phone
This sensor in the phone saves the charging by automatically disable the screen.
6) There are many more applications of Hall effect.
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Input Current (mA) Hall Voltage (mV)
0.0 0.0
5.0 10.0
10.0 20.1
15.0 29.8
20.0 40.2
25.0 49.1
30.0 58.9
