Magneto-Optic Surface for Magnetic Field Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping magnetic fields, such as Kerr and Faraday magneto-optic effects and ferrofluid materials, are either costly, cumbersome, or require non-reusable materials with low magnetic susceptibility, limiting their practicality and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A magneto-optic surface comprising a support with moving elements that react to external magnetic fields by modifying their optical properties, allowing for the visualization and mapping of magnetic fields through changes in reflection, transmission, or emission, using materials like nickel-iron alloys and flexible substrates to enhance sensitivity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Kerr or Faraday magneto-optic effects are used to visualise magnetic domains, then magnetic field mapping is achieved, but the optical assembly becomes costly and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic sensing function from complex optical assemblies and concentrates it in simple moving elements with magnetic parts. The magnetic particles or magnetic-layered structures directly respond to magnetic fields through movement, eliminating the need for polarisers, analysers, and other cumbersome optical components while maintaining magnetic field mapping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical measurement system (light polarisation detection) with a mechanical response system where magnetic parts physically move in response to magnetic fields. This mechanical movement directly indicates field strength and direction, substituting complex optical detection with simpler mechanical displacement that can be observed or measured more easily
2Measurement precision
If ferrofluid materials are used to optically visualise magnetic fields, then field intensity and direction are mapped, but the materials are not reusable and have low magnetic susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of magnetic materials by anchoring them to reusable supports. The moving elements with magnetic parts can be reset to their initial positions after measurement, allowing the same materials to be used repeatedly for multiple magnetic field mapping experiments, unlike disposable ferrofluids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining magnetic materials with supporting matrices or layered architectures. These composite moving elements maintain magnetic responsiveness while providing structural integrity and reusability, overcoming the limitations of simple ferrofluid materials
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective and non-cumbersome mapping of magnetic fields with high spatial resolution, using flexible and sensitive moving elements that react to magnetic fields, providing clear visual representations of field intensity and direction.
Implementation Method 1
under the effect of an external magnetic field, at least one of the moving elements moves with respect to the support such that the optical properties of the magneto-optic surface are modified
Implementation Method 2
The external magnetic field can cause locally the distortion, the movement, the reorientation of each moving element individually. These moving elements can be actuated remotely by one (or more) external magnetic field, by reacting to the couples and to magneto-mechanical forces created by the external magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the optical properties of the magneto-optic surface are modified... The modified optical properties of the surface, illuminated by an external light source (natural or artificial light), are the properties in reflection, in transmission or in emission of light
Data Source
AI summary
A magneto-optic surface includes a support; at least two moving elements; each of the moving elements including at least one anchoring point to the support and at least one moving part movable with respect to the support, the moving part including at least one magnetic part; the support and the moving elements being laid out in such a way that under the effect of an external magnetic field, at least one of the moving elements moves with respect to the support such that the optical properties of the magneto-optic surface are modified.