How to make a large stern gerlach magnet

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the construction of a Stern-Gerlach magnet, specifically focusing on the need for a constant field gradient over a larger distance and the challenges associated with achieving this for a circular beam of approximately 1 cm in diameter. Participants explore various design considerations and configurations relevant to this application.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests references for constructing a Stern-Gerlach magnet that maintains a constant field gradient over a larger distance without variation in the x and y directions.
  • Another participant suggests using a long solenoid as a potential solution.
  • A third participant clarifies that a constant field gradient is required, not just a constant field, which a solenoid would not provide in the desired orientation.
  • Further, a participant proposes a solenoid design with continuously wider spaced winds to approximate a constant gradient, though the effectiveness of this design is uncertain.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of the field gradient being perpendicular to the beam's travel axis, challenging the previous suggestion of using a solenoid.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate design for achieving the required constant field gradient, indicating that multiple competing approaches remain under discussion without a consensus on the best solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the technical requirements for the magnet's design, particularly regarding the orientation of the field gradient and the effectiveness of proposed solutions.

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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