Could a distribution of magnetic Dipoles create an Energy minimum

AI Thread Summary
Creating a magnetic trap that achieves a minimum of magnetic potential energy in three-dimensional space using a distribution of magnetic dipoles is challenged by the principles of magnetic fields, which inherently have zero divergence. The concept of magnetic bottles is mentioned as a method for trapping charged particles, but the discussion emphasizes that the focus is on neutral particles with dipole moments. The energy minimum for such a system would require a maximum in the magnetic field, which complicates the feasibility of the proposed setup. Earnshaw's theorem is referenced, indicating that static magnetic configurations cannot achieve stable equilibrium. However, alternatives like using diamagnetic materials or dynamically varying fields may provide potential solutions.
davidt92
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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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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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