How to make a large stern gerlach magnet

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on constructing a Stern-Gerlach magnet that maintains a constant field gradient over a larger distance, specifically for a circular beam with a 1 cm diameter. Users emphasize that a traditional solenoid design, which provides a constant magnetic field, does not meet the requirements since it generates a parallel gradient rather than a perpendicular one. Suggestions include designing a solenoid with continuously wider spaced winds to approximate the desired gradient. The key takeaway is the necessity for a perpendicular field gradient to effectively manipulate the beam.

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luiz1
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Hello Forum,

Does anyone know of any references on the construction of a Stern-Gerlach magnet? Most of the references I have seen so far discuss magnets that provide a constant field gradient (in the z-axis) over a few millimetres. Since I have a circular beam of about 1 cm diameter, I need a constant gradient over a much larger distance and with no variation in the x and y.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
L
 
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Make a long solenoid?
 
what's needed here is not a constant field (as would be provided by a solenoid) but a constant field gradient.
 
oh okay.

Then make a solenoid that has continuously wider spaced winds

||||||.|.|.|.|.|.|..|..|..|..|..|..|...|...|...|...|...|...|...|...|...|...|...|...|...| ...etc

I don't know how close you want it to be to a "constant" gradient, but this is the idea i got right now...
 
Thank you for your efforts Curl, but I would like to respectfully suggest that you take a look at the purpose of a stern gerlach magnet. The constant field gradient must be perpendicular to the axis along which the beam travels. A solenoid may give a constant field gradient, but it will be parallel to the axis along which the beam travels.

Regards
 

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