External Magnetic Field Research Articles

Capillary Orientation and Morphology Dictated Oscillatory Electro-magneto-imbibition of Viscoelastic Electrolytes.

We explore the intricate dynamics of imbibition by a viscoelastic electrolyte within an arbitrarily oriented, nonuniform microcapillary, while under the stimulus of external electromagnetic fields and internal electroviscous forces stemming from streaming potential. The microcapillary walls are envisaged to be tapered relative to each other, with the entire system inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The rheological behavior of the electrolyte is characterized using the Phan-Thien-Tanner (PTT) model. To manipulate the imbibition dynamics, external transverse magnetic and electric fields are imposed. Incorporating all contributing forces, we obtain semianalytical formulations for the velocity and shear stress distributions. We identify distinct stages during the imbibition process: (i) initial, (ii) filling, (iii) oscillatory, and (iv) stagnation stages. Moreover, we scrutinize the impact of four pivotal parameters, namely, the Weissenberg number (Wi), the Hartmann number (Ha), the transverse electric to viscous force (EVF) number (S), and the electric Reynolds number (Ree), on the imbibition dynamics across different inclinations and taper angles. We also delineate the parameter space for these four parameters, identifying where the onset of oscillations occurs. Finally, through scaling analysis, we establish the existence of four distinct regimes corresponding to the aforementioned stages: (i) the linear regime, (ii) the Washburn regime, (iii) the oscillatory regime, and (iv) the equilibrium regime. Our findings are anticipated to enhance the understanding of capillary imbibition under such complex flow conditions and contribute significantly to the advancement of capillarity-driven microfluidic devices.

Dynamics of paramagnetic permanent chains and self-assembled clusters under a rapidly rotating magnetic field.

We study experimentally and theoretically the dynamics of permanent paramagnetic chains and mixed clusters formed by permanent paramagnetic chains and paramagnetic particles under the influence of a time-varying magnetic field. First, we examine the dynamics of permanent chains at high frequencies (∼50 to 1000Hz). These permanent chains exhibit continuous rotational motion with a frequency several orders of magnitude lower than that of the magnetic field. We develop a theoretical model that accurately describes the dependence of the rotational dynamics of chains on their length, as well as the amplitude and frequency of the external magnetic field in this high frequency regime. Next, we examine how cluster dynamics are affected by the presence of permanent chains. We show that the rotation of clusters composed of a high proportion of permanent chains is slowed down but remains qualitatively well described by the theoretical model we developed for homogeneous clusters of isotropic particles. We propose that the decrease in angular velocity for mixed clusters is due to the hardening of the cluster's 2D elastic modulus caused by the increase of the steric interaction parameter stemming from the presence of chemical links between particles in the chains.

QPOs from charged particles around magnetized black holes in braneworlds

Quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs) are a powerful tool for testing gravity theories, probing gravitational and electromagnetic field properties, and obtaining constraints on the black hole and field parameters. This work considers charged particle dynamics near uniformly magnetized black holes in braneworlds. First, we obtain the solution of the Maxwell equation for magnetic fields and calculate the radial and angular magnetic field components. We derive and analyze the effective potential of charged particles for circular orbits and investigate the energy and angular momentum for the circular orbits. We also analyze the combined effects of magnetic interaction and braneworlds on the charged particles’ innermost stable circular orbits (ISCOs). We calculate the angular momentum of charged particles in Keplerian orbits in the presence of an external magnetic field and braneworlds. Also, we investigate frequencies of the particle oscillations along vertical and angular directions. We applied our studies on particle oscillations to the QPO studies in the relativistic precession model. Finally, we obtain constraints on magnetic interaction and braneworld parameters together with the black hole mass and QPO orbits using Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) simulation in the four-dimensional parameter space for the QPOs observed in the microquasars XTE J1550-564, GRO J1655-40 & GRS 1915-105, and at the center of galaxies M82 and Milky Way.

Tunable magnonic crystal in a hybrid superconductor–ferrimagnet nanostructure

One of the most intriguing properties of magnonic systems is their reconfigurability, where an external magnetic field alters the static magnetic configuration to influence magnetization dynamics. In this paper, we present an alternative approach to tunable magnonic systems. We studied theoretically and numerically a magnonic crystal induced within a uniform magnetic layer by a periodic magnetic field pattern created by the sequence of superconducting strips. We showed that the spin-wave spectrum can be tuned by the inhomogeneous stray field of the superconductor in response to a small uniform external magnetic field. Additionally, we demonstrated that modifying the width of superconducting strips and separation between them leads to the changes in the internal field which are unprecedented in conventional magnonic structures. The paper presents the results of semi-analytical calculations for realistic structures, which are verified by finite-element method computations.

Parallelized Mechanical Stimulation of Neuronal Calcium Through Cell-Internal Nanomagnetic Forces Provokes Lasting Shifts in the Network Activity State.

Neurons differentiate mechanical stimuli force and rate to elicit unique functional responses, driving the need for further tools to generate various mechanical stimuli. Here, cell-internal nanomagnetic forces (iNMF) are introduced by manipulating internalized magnetic nanoparticles with an external magnetic field across cortical neuron networks in vitro. Under iNMF, cortical neurons exhibit calcium (Ca2+) influx, leading to modulation of activity observed through Ca2+ event rates. Inhibiting particle uptake or altering nanoparticle exposure time reduced the neuronal response to nanomagnetic forces, exposing the requirement of nanoparticle uptake to induce the Ca2+ response. In highly active cortical networks, iNMF robustly modulates synchronous network activity, which is lasting and repeatable. Using pharmacological blockers, it is shown that iNMF activates mechanosensitive ion channels to induce the Ca2+ influx. Then, in contrast to transient mechanically evoked neuronal activity, iNMFactivates Ca2+-activated potassium (KCa) channelsto stabilize the neuronal membrane potential and induce network activity shifts. The findings reveal the potential of magnetic nanoparticle-mediated mechanical stimulation to modulate neuronal circuit dynamics, providing insights into the biophysics of neuronal computation.

Quantitative magnetooptical analysis using indicator films for the detection of magnetic field distributions, temperature, and electrical currents

The accurate characterization of local magnetic fields and temperature is vital for the design of electronic systems. To meet this imperative, we present a novel non-contact approach for simultaneous quantitative magnetic field imaging and temperature sensing using magnetooptics and a bismuth-doped yttrium iron garnet film with out-of-plane anisotropy. For the direct signal quantification, a Stokes polarization camera is employed in a conventional magnetooptical microscope. The magnetization in the garnet is modulated with an external magnetic field to continuously image the Faraday rotation at four distinct points along the saturating magnetization loop. The method enables sensing of the magnetooptical signal in saturation, the magnetooptical susceptibility, the temperature, and self-calibrated driftfree imaging of the out-of-plane magnetic field component. A spatial resolution of magnetic field in the micrometer range with millisecond exposure time is demonstrated. The method is verified by analyzing the stray magnetic field distribution of electrical current in a wire simultaneously to the Joule heating induced by the applied current.

Performance enhancement of magnetoactive elastomer soft robots through a coupled magnetoelastic topology optimization scheme

Abstract We have found that considering local magnetic fields, large deformations, and magnetoelastic coupling simultaneously significantly affect the resulting shape in magnetoelastic topology optimization in a uniaxial actuator case. In contrast to the work presented here, other works incorporate magnetoelastic formulations that include simplifying assumptions on the local field, and subsequent effects on the magnetization response of the material, or the absence of large deformation mechanics, or both. These assumptions were shown to produce solutions that differ substantively from cases where local fields and large deformations are addressed concurrently. Magnetoelastic topology optimization schemes are needed to optimize magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) devices. MAE devices are magnetic particle-filled polymer matrices designed for specific actuations and controlled remotely by an external magnetic field. They garner considerable research interest as an emerging technology for actuators in soft robots or in applications requiring untethered actuation. The material properties of MAEs are dependent on the volume fraction of particles in the elastomer matrix, where a high-volume fraction increases relative permeability (for soft magnetic particles) but also increases elastic modulus. For optimal actuation, a tradeoff between low stiffness and high magnetic response must be made by adjusting volume fraction and controlling material placement. Using a topology optimization scheme that considers both the magnetic and mechanical properties of the material, the shape and material composition of the device can be tuned to best achieve the desired actuation displacement. In this work, a density-based magnetoelastic multimaterial topology optimization scheme for soft magnetic material is developed in COMSOL Multiphysics. The optimization scheme uses multiphysics coupling that considers local magnetic fields and large deformations at each iteration through a Maxwell stress tensor formulation. A simulated example is then considered to demonstrate the effectiveness and necessity of a coupled optimization. The effect of considering large deformations during optimization is also investigated. It was found that a coupled topology optimization scheme with large deformations produced shapes with modes of actuation not captured by schemes with simplifying assumptions, leading to better performance at lower material cost. Considering large deformations in the coupled scheme offered significantly better performance, with an increase of 81.3% in a side-by-side performance simulation when compared to uncoupled cases.

Spin and orbital magnetic moments of UTe2 induced by the external magnetic field

Correlated band theory implemented as a combination of the relativistic density functional theory with exact diagonalization [DFT+U(ED)] of the Anderson impurity term with Coulomb repulsion U in the 5f shell is applied to the magnetic field polarized state of \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hbox {UTe}_2$$\\end{document}. We demonstrate that the DFT+U(ED) approach provides a good agreement with very recent x-ray absorbtion near edge structure (XANES) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) experiments. The branching ratio for the \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$M_{4,5}$$\\end{document} edge transitions of uranium, and the valence spin-orbit interaction per hole were evaluated in a perfect agreement with the XANES. The orbital-to-spin moment ratio is calculated with DFT+U(ED) within the range of values extracted from XMCD data. The uranium atom 5f-shell ground state with 33 \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\%$$\\end{document} of \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$f^2$$\\end{document} and 58 \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\%$$\\end{document} of \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$f^3$$\\end{document} configurations is determined. Both XMCD and DFT+U(ED) point out the intermediate valence of uranium as well as itinerant-localized dichotomy in \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hbox {UTe}_2$$\\end{document}.

Gordon Decomposition of the Magnetizability of a Dirac One-Electron Atom in an Arbitrary Discrete Energy State

We present a Gordon decomposition of the magnetizability of a Dirac one-electron atom in an arbitrary discrete energy eigenstate, with a pointlike, spinless, and motionless nucleus of charge Ze. The external magnetic field, by which the atomic state is perturbed, is assumed to be weak, static, and uniform. Using the Sturmian expansion of the generalized Dirac–Coulomb Green function proposed by Szmytkowski in 1997, we derive a closed-form expressions for the diamagnetic (χd) and paramagnetic (χp) contributions to χ. Our calculations are purely analytical; the received formula for χp contains the generalized hypergeometric functions 3F2 of the unit argument, while χd is of an elementary form. For the atomic ground state, both results reduce to the formulas obtained earlier by other author. This work is a prequel to our recent article, where the numerical values of χd and χp for some excited states of selected hydrogenlike ions with 1⩽Z⩽137 were obtained with the use of the general formulas derived here.

A simple and fast method to calculate the coil currents and the external poloidal flux and magnetic field for fixed boundary equilibria

A simple and fast method to calculate the coil currents and the external poloidal flux and magnetic field consistent with a given internal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibrium and coil geometry is presented. The constrained optimization technique employed allows to fix the exact position of the X-points. The external poloidal flux and field are calculated using Green’s functions expressed in terms of elliptic integrals that are calculated using a fast and accurate routine. The calculation can be limited to the region between the plasma and the device wall. An example for a double null configuration is presented.

Cavity-magnon-polariton spectroscopy of strongly hybridized electro-nuclear spin excitations in LiHoF4

We first present a formalism that incorporates the input-output formalism and the linear response theory to employ cavity-magnon-polariton coupling as a spectroscopic tool for investigating strongly hybridized electro-nuclear spin excitations. A microscopic relation between the generalized susceptibility and the scattering parameter |S11|\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$|S_{11}|$$\\end{document} in strongly hybridized cavity-magnon-polariton systems has been derived without resorting to semi-classical approximations. The formalism is then applied to both analyze and simulate a specific systems comprising a model quantum Ising magnet (LiHoF4\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hbox {LiHoF}_4$$\\end{document}) and a high-finesse 3D re-entrant cavity resonator. Quantitative information on the electro-nuclear spin states in LiHoF4\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hbox {LiHoF}_4$$\\end{document} is extracted, and the experimental observations across a broad parameter range were numerically reproduced, including an external magnetic field traversing a quantum critical point. The method potentially opens a new avenue not only for further studies on the quantum phase transition in LiHoF4\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hbox {LiHoF}_4$$\\end{document} but also for a wide range of complex magnetic systems.

Geometry, anomaly, topology, and transport in Weyl fermions.

Weyl fermions are one of the simplest objects that link ideas in geometry and topology to high-energy physics and condensed matter physics. Although the existence of Weyl fermions as elementary particles remains dubious, there is mounting evidence of their existence as quasiparticles in certain condensed matter systems. Such systems are termed Weyl semimetals (WSMs). Needless to say, WSMs have emerged as a fascinating class of materials with unique electronic properties, offering a rich playground for both fundamental research and potential technological applications. This review examines recent advancements in understanding electron transport in {WSMs}. We begin with a pedagogical introduction to the geometric and topological concepts critical to understanding quantum transport in Weyl fermions. We then explore chiral anomaly (CA), a defining feature of WSMs, and its impact on transport phenomena such as longitudinal magnetoconductance (LMC) and planar Hall effect (PHE). The Maxwell-Boltzmann transport theory extended beyond the standard relaxation-time approximation is then discussed in the context of Weyl fermions, which is used to evaluate various transport properties. Attention is also given to the effects of strain-induced gauge fields and external magnetic fields in both time-reversal broken and inversion asymmetric inhomogeneous WSMs. The review synthesizes theoretical insights, experimental observations, and numerical simulations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex transport behaviors in WSMs, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental verification.

Magnetically oriented nanosheet interlayer for dynamic regeneration in lithium metal batteries

Lithium (Li) metal has been recognized as a promising anode to advance the energy density of current Li-based batteries. However, the growth of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer and dendritic Li microstructure pose significant challenges for the long-term operation of Li metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, we propose the utilization of a suspension electrolyte with dispersed magnetically responsive nanosheets whose orientation can be manipulated by an external magnetic field during cell operation for realizing in situ regeneration in LMBs. The regeneration mechanism arises from the redistribution of the ion flux and the formation of an inorganic-rich SEI for uniform and compact Li deposition. With the magnetic-field-induced regeneration process, we show that a Li||Li symmetric cell stably operates for 350 h at 2 mA cm-2 and 2 mA h cm-2, ~5 times that of the cell with the pristine electrolyte. Furthermore, the cycling stability can be significantly extended in the Li||NMC full cell of 3 mA h cm-2, showing a capacity retention of 67% after 500 cycles at 1C. The dynamic Li metal regeneration demonstrated here could bring useful design considerations for reviving the operating cells for achieving high-energy, long-duration battery systems.

Magnetic Field Enable Lithium Ions to Penetrate Lithophilic 3D Collectors and Enhance Electrochemical Performance

Abstract Lithium metal batteries, celebrated for their exceptional energy density, are promising for advanced energy storage. Nevertheless, the dynamic deformation of lithium metal during cycling often leads to the unchecked proliferation of lithium dendrites, compromising the solid electrolyte interface. This not only deteriorates cycle stability but also poses significant safety risks. In our approach, we develop a three-dimensional lithium-affinitive composite current collector, utilizing an external magnetic field. The lithiophilic nature of V2O5, coupled with the deformability support provided by nickel foam and the depth-enhancing influence of the magnetic field on lithium metal deposition, collectively contribute to a more controlled and stable lithium environment. Our findings indicate that this novel setup allows for a lithium metal deposition depth of up to 310 μm, markedly curtailing the growth of dendrites in successive cycles. Remarkably, batteries reassembled with this magnetically-enhanced, lithium pre-deposited current collector exhibits a coulombic efficiency of 98.3% after 320 cycles at 1 mA cm-2. Moreover, a full cell, equipped with LiFePO4, delivers an initial capacity of 158.4 mAh g-1 at 1 C.

Investigating new aspects of Bocharova–Bronnikov–Melnikov–Bekenstein spacetime: ionized thin accretion disk model

Accretion processes near black hole candidates are associated with the high-energy emission of radiation from relativistic particles and outflows. It is widely believed that the magnetic field plays a crucial role in explaining these high-energy processes near these astrophysical sources. In this work, we analyze thin accretion disks in the Bocharova–Bronnikov–Melnikov–Bekenstein (BBMB) spacetime framework using the Novikov–Thorne model. Our study examines the thermal and optical characteristics of these disks, including their emission rate and luminosity in the specified spacetime. Later, we extend the Novikov–Thorne model to ionized thin accretion disk. We propose that the black hole is embedded in an asymptotically uniform magnetic field. We investigate the dynamics of charged particles near a weakly magnetized black hole. Our findings show that, in the presence of a magnetic field, the radius of the marginally stable circular orbit (MSCO) for a charged particle is close to the black hole’s horizon. The orbital velocity of the charged particle, as measured by a local observer, has been computed in the presence of the external magnetic field. We also present an analytical expression for the four-acceleration of the charged particle orbiting around black holes. Finally, we determine the intensity of the radiation emitted by the accelerating relativistic charged particle orbiting the magnetized black hole.

Computational Analysis of Unsteady Oscillatory Flow of Nanofluid with Variable Electric Conductivity: Gear-Generalized Differential Quadrature Approach

Abstract The present study numerically investigated the entropy production in nanofluids' dissipative unsteady oscillatory flow characterised by variable electric conductivity and magnetic heating effects. The imposition of the non-isothermal boundary condition on the oscillatory stretching sheet plays a crucial role in establishing the self-similar solution in the presence of viscous heating. An external magnetic field (uniform in space and time) is imposed perpendicular to the plane of the oscillating stretched boundary. The energy equation, incorporating viscous dissipation effects and momentum equation, is reduced to nonlinear coupled partial differential equations and numerically solved using the Gear-generalized differential quadrature scheme. The Corcione model is implemented to describe the nanofluid's effective viscosity and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, expressions for entropy production and relative irreversibility parameter (Bejan number), considering variable electric conductivity, are derived and computed based on solutions obtained from momentum and energy equations. The impacts of parameters such as magnetic parameter, variable electric conductivity parameter, Eckert number, Strouhal number, Prandtl number and temperature difference parameters on flow, heat transfer, entropy generation, and Bejan number are systematically illustrated and examined. We observed that increasing the variable electric conductivity parameters reduces the velocity profiles while improving the thermal fields. Similar behaviour is found when the strength of a magnetic field is increased. The skin friction coefficient exhibits an augmentation in response to the Eckert number, dimensionless time, Strouhal number, nanoparticle volume fraction, magnetic parameter, and variable thermal conductivity parameter. Conversely, the Nusselt number increases concerning the Strouhal number and nanoparticle volume fraction. At the same time, it declines in association with the magnetic parameter, dimensionless time, Eckert number, and variable electric conductivity parameter. Additionally, to ensure the precision and reliability of the outcomes, the numerical code undergoes a thorough validation process that involves comparing its outputs to the findings of previous available studies. This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of nanofluid dynamics and provides valuable insights for optimising thermal management systems across various engineering disciplines.

Deciphering competing interactions of Kitaev-Heisenberg-Γ system in clusters: II. Dynamics of Majorana fermions

We perform a systematic and exact study of Majorana fermion dynamics in the Kitaev-Heisenberg-Γ model in a few finite-size clusters increasing in size up to twelve sites. We employ exact Jordan-Wigner transformations to evaluate certain measures of Majorana fermion correlation functions, which effectively capture matter and gauge Majorana fermion dynamics in different parameter regimes. An external magnetic field is shown to produce a profound effect on gauge fermion dynamics. Depending on certain non-zero choices of other non-Kitaev interactions, it can stabilise it to its non-interacting Kitaev limit. For all the parameter regimes, gauge fermions are seen to have slower dynamics, which could help build approximate decoupling schemes for appropriate mean-field theory. The probability of Majorana fermions returning to their original starting site shows that the Kitaev model in small clusters can be used as a test bed for the quantum speed limit.

Dynamic magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of a nanotube encapsulated with X36

Abstract Using Monte Carlo simulation, the dynamic magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of a mixed-spin (3/2, 2) single-walled nanotube encapsulated with X36 was studied, where X denotes the magnetic atom. The effects of intrinsic parameters on dynamic order parameters, magnetic susceptibility, internal energy, and specific heat were considered. The phase diagrams were obtained. The results indicate that the critical temperature can be increased by decreasing the absolute values of the anisotropies (Da, Db), increasing the exchange couplings (|Jab|, Jbb), and decreasing the amplitude h0 and the period τ of the external magnetic field. And under the influence of these parameters, the magnetocaloric effect is generated.

Study of Magnetic Hydrogel 4D Printability and Smart Self‐Folding Structure

4D printing technology offers the potential to create smart structures that respond to external stimuli. This study focuses on a novel magnetic hydrogel with promising applications in 4D printing, particularly for medical devices such as guidewire robots, drug delivery systems, and vascular stents. Magnetic‐responsive hydrogels suitable for 4D printing are scarce, and their complex rheological properties pose challenges for printing. The study investigates these properties and optimizes them through adjustments in ink composition and the application of an external magnetic field, improving printability. Using the direct writing (DLP) method, which allows magnetic programming of individual strands, the study achieves greater flexibility compared to the traditional SLA method. Optimized printing parameters and material ratios produced high‐quality single strands, grids, and sheet‐like structures, demonstrating responsiveness to varying magnetic fields. Results confirm that DLP can be effectively applied to hydrogel 4D printing, achieving flexible structures with tunable mechanical properties. Additionally, magnetic‐responsive, self‐folding hydrogel structures were created, with a response speed of 180 ms under a magnetic field. This research establishes a foundation for magnetic hydrogel 4D printing and offers insights for the development of future smart medical devices.

Deciphering competing interactions of Kitaev–Heisenberg-Γ system in clusters: I. Static properties

Recently, the Kitaev-Heisenberg-Γ system has been used to explore various aspects of Kitaev spin liquid physics. Here, we consider a few small clusters of up to twelve sites and study them in detail to unravel many interesting findings due to the competition between all possible signs and various magnitudes of these interactions under the influence of an external magnetic field. When Heisenberg interaction is taken anti-ferromagnetic, one obtains plateaus in correlation functions where, surprisingly, the exact groundstate reduces to the eigenstate of Heisenberg interaction as well. On the other hand, for ferromagnetic Heisenberg interaction, its competition with Kitaev interaction results in non-monotonicity in the correlation functions. We discuss, in detail, the competing effects on low energy spectrum, flux operator, magnetization, susceptibility, and specific heat. Finally, we discuss how our findings could be helpful to explain some of the recent experimental and theoretical findings in materials with Kitaev interactions.