A tunable feedback-controlled magnetic trap for a magnet in free fall

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2606.01056v1
• Date: Sun, 31 May 2026 06:56:41 GMT
• Title: A tunable feedback-controlled magnetic trap for a magnet in free fall
• Abstract summary: We propose and demonstrate a novel master proportional-integral-differential magnetic trap (MPIDMT)<n>During the microgravity phase the system stably levitates a ferromagnetic particle against shock accelerations up to 1.5 g and resolves its motion in both a low-field (0.4 g) configuration and in pure free fall.<n>Results represent a key step toward free-fall ferromagnetic magnetometry, the long-sought direct observation of macroscopic Larmor precession, and future space-based experiments.
• Score: 41.89902918118875
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Abstract: Ferromagnets in free space are predicted to exhibit pure Larmor precession at near-zero magnetic fields and provide exceptional sensitivity for magnetometry and gyroscopy. Notably, pure Larmor precession has not been observed in a macroscopic ferromagnetic particle, despite its fundamental importance and potential for probing relativistic effects and dark-matter interactions. Realizing such dynamics requires true free fall to eliminate clamping losses and trap-induced systematics. A central challenge is designing a tunable trap that is weak enough to permit near-free evolution yet robust enough to withstand the disturbances of launch and release. Here, we propose and demonstrate a novel master proportional-integral-differential magnetic trap (MPIDMT) combining a PID-controlled coil system with a master control coil system. Implemented in the third-generation drop tower - Einstein-Elevator, during the microgravity phase the system stably levitates a ferromagnetic particle against shock accelerations up to 1.5 g and resolves its motion in both a low-field (0.4 g) configuration and in pure free fall. These results represent a key step toward free-fall ferromagnetic magnetometry, the long-sought direct observation of macroscopic Larmor precession, and future space-based experiments.

Related papers

• Rotational Quantum Tunneling of a Magnetic Dipole in a Superconducting Trap [1.0005747083373795]
  We study the quantum dynamics of the rotational degree of freedom of a nano-magnet trapped in a superconducting trap.<n>We identify rest-gas scattering as the most important decoherence mechanism at low temperatures.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-05-18T21:23:53Z)
• On-chip levitation of ferromagnetic microparticles [0.0]
  We demonstrate a room-temperature on-chip magnetic levitation platform capable of stably levitating a nanogram (6.5 micrometer radius) ferromagnetic microsphere.<n>The platform is scalable and tunable, and supports librational modes with eigenfrequencies exceeding 10 kHz.<n>This architecture enables integrated precision sensing and studies of isolated ferromagnet thermodynamics.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-04-30T18:00:01Z)
• Levitated Ferromagnetic Torsional Oscillators for High-Precision Magnetometry and Probing Exotic Interactions [0.0]
  The device attains a remarkable magnetic sensitivity of $391pm 59, rmfTcdot Hz-1/2$.<n>This capability enables precise detection of weak magnetic fields and provides a novel platform for exploring exotic interactions beyond the Standard Model.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-03-02T17:00:19Z)
• Observation of Magnetic Devil's Staircase-Like Behavior in Quasiperiodic Qubit Lattices [55.2480439325792]
  devil's staircase (DS) phenomenon is a fractal response of magnetization to external fields.<n>We uncover a wealth of abrupt magnetic transitions driven by increasing external magnetic fields within a simple yet effective Ising-model framework.<n>Our results challenge the prevailing view that DS behavior is limited to periodic systems.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-07-24T21:39:06Z)
• Observation of gyroscopic coupling in a non-spinning levitated ferromagnet [0.0]
  A non-spinning permanent ferromagnet is predicted to behave as a gyroscope at sufficiently low frequencies.<n>We observe gyroscopic effects in the rotational dynamics of a non-spinning permanent ferromagnet levitated in a superconducting trap.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-04-18T15:18:08Z)
• Controllable and Continuous Quantum Phase Transitions in Intrinsic Magnetic Topological Insulator [50.54133633499971]
  We study the intrinsic magnetic topological material MnBi2Te4 in which the heavy n-type doping features are strongly suppressed.<n>Based on angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, transport measurements, and first-principles calculations, we reveal two magnetism-induced TPTs.<n>Our work paves the way for the realization of intrinsic magnetic topological states in MnBi2Te4 family and provides an ideal platform for achieving controllable and continuous TPTs.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-03-08T03:46:54Z)
• Diamagnetic micro-chip traps for levitated nanoparticle entanglement experiments [0.0]
  Quantum Gravity Mediated Entanglement (QGEM) protocol offers a novel method to probe the quantumness of gravitational interactions at non-relativistic scales. We propose using magnetic traps based on micro-fabricated wires to trap nanoparticles for interferometric entanglement experiments.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-11-04T17:48:32Z)
• Imaging magnetism evolution of magnetite to megabar pressure range with quantum sensors in diamond anvil cell [57.91882523720623]
  We develop an in-situ magnetic detection technique at megabar pressures with high sensitivity and sub-microscale spatial resolution. We observe the macroscopic magnetic transition of Fe3O4 in the megabar pressure range from strong ferromagnetism (alpha-Fe3O4) to weak ferromagnetism (beta-Fe3O4) and finally to non-magnetism (gamma-Fe3O4) The presented method can potentially investigate the spin-orbital coupling and magnetism-superconductivity competition in magnetic systems.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-06-13T15:19:22Z)
• Ferromagnetic Gyroscopes for Tests of Fundamental Physics [49.853792068336034]
  A ferromagnetic gyroscope (FG) is a ferromagnet whose angular momentum is dominated by electron spin polarization and that will precess under the action of an external torque. We model and analyze FG dynamics and sensitivity, focusing on practical schemes for experimental realization.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-10-17T07:13:50Z)
• Gravity Probe Spin: Prospects for measuring general-relativistic precession of intrinsic spin using a ferromagnetic gyroscope [51.51258642763384]
  An experimental test at the intersection of quantum physics and general relativity is proposed. The behavior of intrinsic spin in spacetime is an experimentally open question. A measurement is possible by using mm-scale ferromagnetic gyroscopes in orbit around the Earth.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-06-16T17:18:44Z)

This list is automatically generated from the titles and abstracts of the papers in this site.

This site does not guarantee the quality of this site (including all information) and is not responsible for any consequences.