Micron sized coils for the generation of high magnetic fields and field gradients

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Aniruddha Sathyadharma Prasad - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Rachappa Ravishankar - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Bernd Büchner - , Chair of Experimental Solid State Physics, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Volker Neu - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Thomas Mühl - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)

Abstract

The miniaturization of electromagnetic coils offers several benefits, including reduced electrical power requirements for generating desired magnetic fields, increased magnetic field gradients, and compatibility with space-constrained micro-sensor applications. However, at all length scales, generating substantial magnetic field strength relies on effective heat dissipation to mitigate Joule heating. This work introduces microcoils capable of generating static magnetic fields and field gradients exceeding 600 mT and 106 Tm−1, respectively, in a room temperature environment. Such field strengths, previously achievable only with microcoils operating at cryogenic temperatures or in pulsed modes, are realized through an innovative design incorporating radial cuts in an extended planar configuration. This confines the current paths to a small radius, achieving current densities above 1.6×1012 Am−2, by enabling a radial heat flux of 7.8×1010 Wm−2 through the extended metal structure. The coils’ development was guided by analytical calculations and finite element simulations, and their performance was experimentally validated with lithographically fabricated microcoil devices. Furthermore, these coils demonstrate magnetization reversal of high-aspect-ratio magnetic nanowires with switching fields of several hundred mT, highlighting their potential for magnetic sensor applications, such as switchable magnetic force microscopy probes. (Figure presented.)

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number164
JournalCommunications Materials
Volume6
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords