“Axial” Magnetic Levitation Using Ring Magnets Enables Simple Density-Based Analysis, Separation, and Manipulation

This work describes the development of magnetic levitation (MagLev) using ring magnets and a configuration (which we call "axial MagLev") to remove the physical barriers to physical sampling in the magnetic field present in "standard MagLev" and to simplify the procedures used to carry out density-based analyses, separations, and manipulations. The optimized, linear magnetic field generated between the two ring magnets (coaxially aligned and like-poles facing) enables the levitation of diamagnetic (and weakly paramagnetic, e.g., aluminum) materials in a paramagnetic suspending medium and makes density measurements more straightforward. This "axial" configuration enables (i) simple procedures to add samples and paramagnetic medium from an open end and to retrieve samples while levitating in the magnetic field (e.g., a subpopulation of a cluster of small particles); (ii) simple accesses and the abilities to view the samples 360° around the sample container and from the top and bottom; and (iii) convenient density measurements of small quantities (as small as a single submillimeter particle as demonstrated) of samples. The compact design, portability, affordability, and simplicity in use of the "axial MagLev" device will broaden the uses of magnetic methods in analyzing, separating, and manipulating different types of samples (solids, liquids, powders, pastes, gels, and also biological entities) in areas such as materials sciences, chemistry, and biochemistry.