Meander Current-Line Arrays for Tunable Magnetic Field Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating magnetic field patterns, particularly for nanofabrication and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, lack efficiency, reusability, and tunability, and struggle to achieve high resolution and gradient contrasts.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using an array of current lines in the form of meanders to generate magnetic field patterns, allowing for homogeneous field regions with high contrast and adjustable gradients, enabling the construction of arbitrary 2D structures and spin orientation of atomic nuclei.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional photolithography is used for patterning, then high resolution patterns can be achieved, but the method lacks reusability and requires multiple masks for different patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces photolithography (optical system) with magnetic field-induced ferrofluid assembly (magnetic system). Current-carrying meander structures generate magnetic fields that directly manipulate ferrofluid particles to form patterns, eliminating the need for optical masks and enabling reusable magnetic templates for different patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generation system serves multiple functions: it can create various patterns by reconfiguring current paths in meander structures, generate different magnetic field strengths by adjusting current intensity, and produce reusable templates that can be applied repeatedly without physical wear, unlike photomasks.
2Manufacturing precision
If structured magnetic fields are combined with ferrofluids for lithography, then micron-scale resolution is achieved, but gradient contrast and field homogeneity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic field generation into multiple independent current-carrying meander structures arranged in arrays. Each meander element creates localized magnetic field regions with high gradients at edges and homogeneous fields in center regions, enabling simultaneous achievement of high resolution and good contrast through spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The meander-shaped current lines create locally optimized magnetic field distributions: sharp edges produce high gradient regions for precise feature definition, while enclosed loop regions produce homogeneous fields for uniform particle assembly. This local quality variation within a single structure type enables both high resolution and good contrast.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple current lines are used to generate magnetic field patterns, then arbitrary 2D structures can be constructed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple current-carrying meander structures into a single integrated array that functions as one reusable device. The meander shapes are designed with common geometric parameters and spacing, allowing complex 2D patterns to be generated through simple current routing rather than requiring physically distinct structures for each pattern.
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
The method and device provide high-resolution, reusable, and tunable magnetic field patterns for nanofabrication and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, facilitating precise control over magnetic particle assembly and nuclear spin orientation.
Implementation Method 1
The proposed method for generating a magnetic field pattern, in particular a magnetic field gradient pattern, comprises the step of generating the magnetic field pattern, in particular the magnetic field gradient pattern, by using an array with a plurality of current lines that each are in the form of a meander
Implementation Method 2
enable the preferential spin orientation of atomic nuclei of specimens intended for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Implementation Method 3
remotely induce the masking of a substrate for nanofabricating functional devices such as photovoltaic solar panels of desired geometry
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention refers to a method for generating magnetic field patterns aimed in particular at analyzing specimens via nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or magnetic induction imaging at the microscale, or inducing masking of a substrate via magnetic, magnetorheological, or ferrofluid lithohraphy (101). The method comprises the step of generating a magnetic field pattern by using an array (103) with a plurality of current lines (1, 2; 1) that each are in the form of a meander. The invention further refers to a device comrpising an array (103) with a plurality of current lines (1, 2; 1) that each are in the form of a meander.