Abstract
A new method of measuring magnetostriction is described. The method employs a fibre-optic dilatometer in which the changes in sample length vary the optical power transmitted across a narrow gap in the optical fibre. The method is especially suitable for making routine measurements on samples in the form of thin ribbons, as only the minimum mechanical load is imposed on the sample; nor is it necessary to attach any ancillary components to the sample. Illustrative results indicate a sensitivity of about 10-7 when measuring magnetostriction as a function of applied field. For measurements of saturation magnetostriction only, the sensitivity is about 10-8.