9628007 Kirschvink This grant provides $65,287 as one-half support of the cost of acquiring a new 2G Enterprises Direct-Current (DC) superconducting magnetometer (SQuID) for the Department of Geology at the California Institute of Technology. The instrument will replace an antiquated radio-frequency (Rf) SQuID that has a high potential for failure. The new instrument will provide much greater sensitivity and broader dynamic range than the Rf-SQuID and result in a significant reduction in lab operating costs due to the DC-SQuID's much more efficient use of liquid helium. This acquisition will allow the PI to continue his extremely well-respected research in geomagnetism and biomagnetism and will provide a valuable resource to the frequent users of this laboratory. ***
