The vibrating sample magnetometer: Experiences of a volunteer

On its 40th anniversary, I describe how the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was developed and, later, how the very low frequency VSM, a flux-integration device, was developed. The important features of the moving sample technique, detection coil symmetry, calibration, sensitivity, and image effects are discussed briefly. Some VSM adaptations discussed include operation at He-3 and dilution refrigerator temperatures, at high hydrostatic pressures, in superconducting, high-power water-cooled and hybrid magnets, for very low frequency ac susceptibility, and with SQUID detectors. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.