Data Release for: A Wideband Magnetoresistive Sensor for Monitoring Dynamic Fault Slip in Laboratory Fault Friction Experiments

These data are the basis of the figures in the manuscript "A Wideband magnetoresistive sensor for monitoring dynamic fault slip in laboratory fault friction experiments". That report was the result of an investigation of a non-contact, wideband method of sensing dynamic fault slip in laboratory geophysical experiments which employs an inexpensive magnetoresistive sensor, a small neodymium rare earth magnet, and user built application specific wideband signal conditioning electronics. The magnetoresistive sensor generates a voltage proportional to the changing angles of magnetic flux lines, generated by differential motion or rotation of the near-by magnet, through the sensor. The performance of an array of these sensors compares favorably to other conventional position sensing methods employed at multiple locations along a 2m long x 0.4m deep laboratory strike-slip fault. For these magnetoresistive sensors, the lack of resonance signals commonly encountered with cantilever-type position sensor mounting, the wide band response (DC to ≈ 100 kHz) that exceeds the capabilities of many traditional position sensors, and the small foot print on the sample, make them attractive options for capturing high speed fault slip measurements in these laboratory experiments. An unanticipated observation of this study is the apparent sensitivity of this sensor to high frequency electomagnetic signals associated with fault rupture and/or rupture propagation, which may offer new insights into the physics of earthquake faulting.