Could a distribution of magnetic Dipoles create an Energy minimum

In summary, the think is that I would like to create a magnetic trap "minimum of magnetic potential energy in all 3 directions of space" using a distribution of magnetic dipoles as a field generator.
  • #1
davidt92
4
1
The think is that I would like to create a magnetic trap "minimum of magnetic potential energy in all 3 directions of space" using a distribution of magnetic dipoles as a field generator.

In other words, I would like to know if setting in some way some magnetic dipoles is possible to create a point in space [x,y,z] with a magnetic field that surrounds this position having a lower value in all directions, in order to put a particle with the dipole moment aligned to the magnetic field at position [x,y,z] and could remain there.
 
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  • #2
davidt92 said:
with a magnetic field that surrounds this position having a lower value in all directions

That's a description of a magnetic field with non-zero divergence. Unfortunately, magnetic fields have zero divergence.
 
  • #4
anorlunda said:
Perhaps you are thinking of this .

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_mirror#Magnetic_bottles[QUOTEMagnetic bottles can be used to temporarily trap charged particles.]
[/QUOTE]Is exactly the opposite of this, A Magnetic bottles is usefull for charged particles, iI don't have a charged particle, instead I have a neutral particle with dipole moment. So based on the formula $$E=-\vec{m}*\vec{B}$$ a minimum in energy will be when having a maximum in magnetic field, So i wolud like to create some distribution of dipoles f.ex, something similar to this:
nmat4402-f1.jpg


That have a minimum in energy somewhere in space.
 
  • #6
Just to preempt the inevitable YouTube videos, Earnshaw's theorem only applies to static and paramagnetic magnets. You can levitate things by using diamagnetic materials, or by varying the fields dynamically.
 
  • #7
Why are we guessing? He told us what he wants. Very specifically. One of the bad habits of PF is that we guess at the question, but in this case we have a very specific question, with a very specific answer, and we're still guessing that the OP might want something else as the answer.
 

1. How do magnetic dipoles create an energy minimum?

Magnetic dipoles align themselves in a way that minimizes their potential energy, resulting in an energy minimum. This is due to the attractive or repulsive forces between the dipoles, depending on their orientation and polarity.

2. What is the significance of an energy minimum in a distribution of magnetic dipoles?

An energy minimum is significant because it represents a stable state for the system. Once the dipoles have aligned to create an energy minimum, they will remain in that state unless an external force is applied.

3. Can a distribution of magnetic dipoles create multiple energy minima?

Yes, a distribution of magnetic dipoles can create multiple energy minima depending on the arrangement of the dipoles. This is known as a multi-stable system, where the dipoles can exist in different stable states with varying potential energies.

4. How does the strength of the magnetic dipoles affect the energy minimum?

The stronger the magnetic dipoles, the more significant the attractive or repulsive forces between them. This can result in a deeper energy minimum, making it more difficult for the dipoles to be disrupted from their aligned state.

5. What are some real-world applications of a distribution of magnetic dipoles creating an energy minimum?

One example is in magnetic storage devices, where the alignment of magnetic particles creates an energy minimum that represents a specific bit of data. Another application is in magnetic levitation, where the forces between dipoles in a superconducting material create a stable energy minimum that allows for levitation of an object above the material's surface.

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