Halbach Arrays

What is a Halbach Array?

A Halbach Array is a special arrangement of permanent magnets that makes the magnetic field on one side of the array stronger, while canceling the field to near zero on the other side. This is very different from the magnetic field around a single magnet. With a single magnet, you have an equal strength magnetic field on either side of the magnet.

What magnet would you want?

The most commonly seen example of a Halbach Array is the flexible refrigerator magnet. These thin, flexible magnets are often printed on for use as refrigerator magnets or on the backs of cars.

If sticking to a steel surface is your goal, there is an even better option: the Mounting Magnet.

Mounting magnets use a steel channel or cup to redirect the magnetic field from the backside of a single magnet, which roughly doubles the pull strength you might expect from the magnet alone.

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Applications of Halbach Arrays

* Halbach Array is most commonly used to produce a magnetic field utilizing permanent magnets arranged in a 90° orientation change between magnetic elements, which amplifies the magnetic force.

* Planer Halbach Arrays are typically used for holdings, fixturing, linear coupling applications, etc.

* Circular Halbach Arrays (OD iteration) can be used in rotors for brushless DC motors, magnetic couples, power generations, etc.

* Circular Halbach Arrays (ID iteration) are used to constrain plasma, steer, sort and accelerate moving charged particles, and impart oscillations.

Where are Halbach Arrays Actually Used?

Halbach Array is most commonly used to produce a magnetic field utilizing permanent magnets arranged in a 90° orientation change between magnetic elements, which amplifies the magnetic force.

Halbach Arrays can also be configured in other shapes. A ring magnet with multi-pole magnetization or a ring made up of smaller arc segments can be used in this way.

Stanford Magnets also offers Arc Segment magnets.