Theoretical analysis of a simple yet efficient portable magnetic separator design for separation of magnetic nano/micro-carriers from human blood flow

A technology that could physically remove substances from the blood such as biological, chemical, or radiological toxins could dramatically improve treatment of disease. One method in development proposes to use magnetic-polymer spheres to selectively bind toxins and remove them by magnetic filtration. Although magnetic filtration is a developed technology, the clinical boundary conditions described here require a new filter design. We investigated the removal of toxin-bound magnetic carriers from the blood stream using 2-D FEMLAB simulations. The magnetic separator consisted of a permanent magnet with parallel ferromagnetic prisms on the faces and in contact with a straight tube carrying the magnetic-polymer spheres in suspension. We varied the following parameters: blood flow velocity, the size, and number of ferromagnetic prisms, and the ferromagnetic material in both prisms and magnets. The capture efficiency reached maximum values when the depth of the prisms equaled the diameter of the tubing and the saturation magnetization of the prism material equaled twice that of the magnet. With this design a piece of 2 mm (diameter) tube carrying the fluid resulted in 95% capture of 2.0 μm magnetic-polymer spheres at 10 cm/s flow velocity.     

Ferromagnetic order in silicon-manganese alloys with phase separation

A phenomenological model of high-temperature ferromagnetism in silicon-manganese alloys has been proposed taking into account phase separation in these alloys, where manganese-rich particles of the secondary phase (precipitate MnSi_{2 − z} with z ≈ 0.25–0.30) are formed inside a manganese-depleted matrix of almost pure silicon. Precipitate MnSi_{2 − z} is considered as the silicide MnSi_1.7 containing a certain number of magnetic defects whose origin is due to the presence of weakly hybridized 3d orbitals of manganese. The silicide MnSi_1.7 is a weak band ferromagnet in which strong fluctuations of the spin density (paramagnons) are present at a temperature much higher than its Curie temperature. It has been shown that the ferromagnetic exchange interactions between the magnetic moments of defects in precipitate exists due to thermal excitations of the spin density and the ferromagnetic order can appear at a temperature much higher than the Curie temperature of the silicide. The spatial structures and characteristics of this order have been described in the framework of the proposed approach for both homogeneous bulk precipitate and precipitate particles of various shapes and sizes. The short-range magnetic order near the bulk phase transition has been analyzed taking into account inhomogeneities in the distribution of magnetic defects in precipitate. The experimental data on the magnetic properties of silicon-manganese alloys have been interpreted in terms of the theoretical results obtained in this work.     

Effect of particle size on the tribo-aero-electrostatic separation of plastics

Numerous research studies have been made on the electrostatic separation of granular insulating materials, with many industrial applications in the area of waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling. However, very few investigators have studied the separation of finely-ground matter (i.e., granule diameter < 1 mm), in relation with applications in mineral processing, or in food industry. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of particle size on the selective sorting of fine particles in a two-rotating-disks-type tribo-aero-electrostatic separator. The experiments are carried out on a synthetic mixture composed of 50% Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and 50% Polystyrene (PS) particles of size 250 to 2000 microns. The performance of this separator is evaluated by setting up a measurement system that enables the continuous and simultaneous recording of the charges and the masses of the separated products. The conclusions of this study will serve at the optimum design of an industrial electrostatic separator for the recycling of micronized plastics from WEEE.     

Microfabricated magnetic sifter for high-throughput and high-gradient magnetic separation

A microfabricated magnetic sifter has been designed and fabricated for applications in biological sample preparation. The device enables high-throughput, high-gradient magnetic separation of magnetic nanoparticles by utilizing columnar fluid flow through a dense array (∼5000/mm²) of micropatterned slots in a magnetically soft membrane. The potential of the sifter for separation of magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with capture antibodies is demonstrated through quantitative separation experiments with CD138-labeled MACS nanoparticles. Capture efficiencies ranging from 28% to 37% and elution efficiencies greater than 73% were measured for a single pass through the sifter.     

Magnetic nanoparticles separation based on nanostructures

This study describes a magnetic array, which consists of depositing Fe nanowires on a porous alumina membrane. Such a device can be used as a planar magnetic separator. Its performance for the collection of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles is experimentally shown. For magnetization of such iron nanowires in the vertical direction, we propose equations to calculate the theoretical absorption ratio.     

Plasma-optical mass separation of isotopes in the magnetic field of linear current

The existing methods of electromagnetic mass separation are analyzed. The trajectories of ions injected into the separation region along various directions in the magnetic field of a linear current are calculated. On the basis of analysis, two new schemes of mass separators with a plasma accelerator as the ion source are proposed. In the first scheme, plasma is injected along the longitudinal axis of the accelerator, while in the second scheme, an accelerator with annular ejection of the plasma flow along the radius in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the separator is used.     

55Mn NMR study of the effect of a constant magnetic field on the phase separation of the ferromagnetic phase in manganites

The ⁵⁵Mn NMR studies of nano-sized and polycrystalline La_{1 ? x} Ca _x MnO₃ samples have been performed. It has been shown that a decrease in the average size of the nanoparticles leads to the disappearance of the phase separation of the ferromagnetic phase, which is likely a general property of manganites. The studies in constant magnetic fields have demonstrated that the phase separation under consideration occurs within domains rather than as a result of the separation of the samples into domains and domains walls.     

Analytical model for the magnetophoretic capture of magnetic microspheres in microfluidic devices

Magnetic microspheres are used as mobile substrates in micro-total-analysis systems (μTAS), since the particles can be selectively functionalized to attach different bioconjugates and can be precisely manipulated using external magnetic field gradients. A large number of MEMS-based bio-analytical devices employ magnetophoretic separation as an important step during their operation. An analytical technique is proposed in this paper that describes the magnetophoretic transport of magnetic microspheres under an imposed magnetic field when there is a pressure-driven or electroosmotic flow through a microchannel. Successful magnetophoretic capture occurs if the strength of the field-inducing magnetic dipole exceeds a critical value, or if the particles are larger than a critical size. The magnetophoretic separator performance is characterized in terms of capture efficiency. The analysis shows that the capture efficiency is a function of two independent non-dimensional parameters, λ and γ that in turn involve all the physical design and operating parameters of the microfluidic separator, e.g., the dipole strength, particle size and susceptibility, fluid viscosity and velocity, channel height, and the separation of the dipole. Parametric plots of capture efficiency as function of λ and γ helps in choosing the right design and operation parameter of a practical microfluidic separator for a target level of performance.     

掺杂锰基氧化物中的相分离和渗流效应

目前，相分离仍是锰基氧化物超大磁电阻材料研究的热点，渗流效应假设已广泛用于解释其电输运特性．作者用变温磁力显微镜首次在La0.33Pr0.34Ca0.33MnO3薄膜中直接观察到了渗流过程，微观上证明了渗流效应假设的正确性．实验发现，降温过程中电阻率的陡降是铁磁金属相的渗流效应引起的，升温过程中电阻率的上升，则是由导电路径上磁畴的磁化强度随温度的升高而降低引起的，而导电路径一直存在．微观的磁回滞和宏观的电阻回滞相吻合．当然要定量解释锰氧化物中的超大磁电阻效应还需要做大量的理论和实验工作．     

Unusual magnetization suppression induced by higher magnetic field in (La0.83Bi0.17)0.67Ca0.33MnO3

Magnetization behavior of (La_0.83Bi_0.17)_0.67Ca_0.33MnO₃ has been investigated in the temperature range from 100 to 180 K. A metamagnetic transition was observed in the temperature region, where the magnetization was measured after a zero-field-cooling from room temperature to a selected temperature. Experimental results show that, after a higher magnetization route, the field-increasing branches of the magnetization curves shows an unusual training effect: below a magnetic field H₀, the applied magnetic field enhances the value of magnetization; however, above H₀ the magnetic field suppresses the value, and the behavior cannot be totally attributed to the enhancement effect of the applied magnetic field on ferromagnetic phase fraction. It is proposed that, in the two-phase coexistence region, the higher magnetic field promotes the phase separation and leads to both the fraction of ferromagnetic domain and the stabilization of antiferromagnetic domain increase.     

Origin of ferromagnetism and nano-scale phase separations in diluted magnetic semiconductors

This paper reviews various origins of ferromagnetic response that has been detected in diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS). Particular attention is paid to those ferromagnetic DMS in which no precipitation of other crystallographic phases has been observed. It is argued that these materials can be divided into three categories. The first consists of (Ga,Mn)As and related compounds. In these solid solutions the theory built on p–d Zener's model of hole-mediated ferromagnetism and the Kohn–Luttinger kp theory of semiconductors describes quantitatively thermodynamic, micromagnetic, optical, and transport properties. Moreover, the understanding of these materials has provided a basis for the development of novel methods enabling magnetisation manipulation and switching. To the second group belong compounds, in which a competition between long-range ferromagnetic and short-range antiferromagnetic interactions and/or the proximity of the localisation boundary lead to an electronic nano-scale phase separation that results in characteristics similar to colossal magnetoresistance oxides. Finally, in a number of compounds a chemical nano-scale phase separation into the regions with small and large concentrations of the magnetic constituent is present. It has recently been suggested that this spinodal decomposition can be controlled by the charge state of relevant magnetic impurities. This constitutes a new perspective method for 3D self-organised growth of coherent magnetic nanocrystals embedded by the semiconductor matrix.     

Magnetic-field-controlled phase separation in manganites: Electron magnetic resonance study

The electron magnetic resonance spectra of Sm_1?x Sr _x MnO₃ (x = 0.30, 0.40, 0.45) manganites have been studied. At temperatures that are higher than the Curie point by several tens of kelvins, samples with x = 0.40 and 0.45 exhibit a ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectrum imposed on their usual EPR spectrum. The FMR spectrum appears as the applied magnetic field H exceeds a certain critical field H _c , which decreases upon cooling and becomes zero at T = T _C . These results agree with the magnetic-measurement data and indicate the magnetic-field-induced nucleation and growth of ferromagnetic domains in a paramagnetic matrix. In the initial growth stage, the volume of the ferromagnetic domains is proportional to (H ? H _c )^β, where β = 4.0 ± 0.3, and it changes in phase with magnetic field modulation up to a frequency of 100 kHz. In the same field and temperature ranges, hysteretic phenomena and narrow unstable spectral lines are detected; these lines indicate a dynamic character of the phase separation. The results obtained are interpreted in terms of the competition of different types of magnetic and charge ordering.     

Polarization and transmission of microwaves in the magnetic suspension in the applied magnetic field

The production method of magnetic suspension consisting of ferromagnetic particles dispersed in cedarwood oil is presented at the beginning of this article. Next, the set-up for microwaves generation using a klystron is described. The main part of this paper concerning microwave transmission and polarization during its passage in samples of the produced magnetic suspension placed in a magnetic field is based on the following parameters: induction of this field, filling factor of magnetic suspension by ferromagnetic particles, dimensions of particles, viscosity of liquid carrier, and ratio of the magnetic field changes. Conducted investigations show that microwaves are damped and polarized in these magnetic suspensions. Obtained results are discussed and observed effects are explained by ordering of ferromagnetic particles in magnetic suspension by applied magnetic field.     

Magnetic particle separation using controllable magnetic force switches

Magnetic particle separation is very important in biomedical applications. In this study, a magnetic particle microseparator is proposed that uses micro magnets to produce open/closed magnetic flux for switching on/off the separation. When all magnets are magnetized in the same direction, the magnetic force switch for separation is on; almost all magnetic particles are trapped in the channel side walls and the separation rate can reach 95%. When the magnetization directions of adjacent magnets are opposite, the magnetic force switch for separation is off, and most magnetic particles pass through the microchannel without being trapped. For the separation of multi-sized magnetic particles, the proposed microseparator is numerically demonstrated to have high separation rate.     

Magnetic measurements of suspended functionalised ferromagnetic beads under DC applied fields

In this work, a simple technique to obtain the hysteresis loops of magnetic beads (Spherotech Inc.) in liquid suspension is presented. The magnetic measurements were taken in a DC Magnetic Property Measurement System (MPMS-SQUID sensor). Samples were based on ferromagnetic beads (surface-functionalized NH₂, mean diameter 4.32 μm) prepared in three conditions: dry, suspended in sucrose solution and in suspension after functionalization with fluorophore. Special small containers (1.3 cm long) made of non magnetic plastic were designed to hold the beads in liquid. The results indicate that the bead's remnant magnetization is half of the value at maximum applied field in all cases. However, due to the additional degrees of rotational freedom, beads suspended in a liquid do not present coercivity. The use of ferromagnetic beads and magnetic elements of different architectures for applications in bioassays is also discussed.     

Magnetically induced phase separation in the Co–Cr binary system

Direct evidence of phase separation in the Co-rich corner of the Co–Cr binary system, the transformation of high-temperature FCC α-Co into a ferromagnetic α_f phase and a paramagnetic α_p phase, has been experimentally obtained by using diffusion couple technique, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion analysis of X-ray (SEM-EDX), analytical transmission electron microscopy, optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Thermodynamic calculation, on the basis of the presently obtained phase equilibrium data, has verified that this phase separation arises from magnetic ordering, and that a similar phase separation appears in the HCP phase below 469°C which is transformed into a ferromagnetic ε_f phase and a paramagnetic ε_p phase. It is therefore concluded that magnetically induced phase separation must be responsible for the microscopic composition modulation of Cr in the CoCr thin film magnetic recording media.     

利用集总LC元件实现频率选择表面极化分离的特性

基于电磁局域谐振的路谐振理论, 将集总LC器件加载到工字形周期阵列中, 设计了一种新型频率选择表面极化分离结构. 利用等效电路法分析了不同极化时该结构的作用机制, 并采用全波分析法研究了极化方式、入射角度和集总参数对其传输特性的影响.结果表明: 所设计的结构在6.37 GHz附近具有良好的极化分离特性; 在0°–40°扫描范围内, 横电(TE) 和横磁(TM) 极化下结构传输特性均保持稳定; 通过调控集总元件LC值, 该结构在保持 TE极化方向传输特性不变的同时, 可以实现对TM传输特性的独立调节, 使设计更加灵活.该结构为极化分离器以及极化波产生器的设计提供了借鉴. 关键词： 频率选择表面 极化分离器 集总电容 集总电感     

Loss separation for dynamic hysteresis in ferromagnetic thin films

We develop a theory for dynamic hysteresis in ferromagnetic thin films, on the basis of the phenomenological principle of loss separation. We observe that, remarkably, the theory of loss separation, originally derived for bulk metallic materials, is applicable to disordered magnetic systems under fairly general conditions regardless of the particular damping mechanism. We confirm our theory both by numerical simulations of a driven random-field Ising model, and by reexamining several experimental data reported in the literature on dynamic hysteresis in thin films. All the experiments examined and the simulations find a natural interpretation in terms of loss separation. The power losses' dependence on the driving field rate predicted by our theory fits satisfactorily all the data in the entire frequency range, thus reconciling the apparent lack of universality observed in different materials.     

Cochannel speech separation

The multisignal minimum-cross-entropy spectral analysis (multisignal MCESA) is applied to the problem of separating the speech signals of two talkers speaking simultaneously on a single channel, e.g., when two talkers use a single microphone. A new two-stage approach to the problem is proposed in which a spectral separator is followed by a spectral tailoring procedure. The spectral separator produces an initial estimate of the speech spectrum for each talker. Then the spectral tailoring procedure employs the multisignal MCESA technique to adjust the initial spectral estimates to account for the characteristics of the known cochannel composite speech signal. The research emphasis is placed on the implementation and evaluation of the spectral tailoring procedure, i.e., the use of the multisignal MCESA in the proposed scheme. Its usefulness is evaluated and validated by listening tests and by comparing the spectral distortions of the estimated voices before and after the multisignal MCESA processing.     

An investigation of phase separation by magnetic force microscopy in La0.45Sr0.55MnO3-δ(δ≈0.01)

We have found phase separation in La_0.45Sr_0.55MnO_3-δ (LSMO) by means of electron spin resonance, magnetic force microscopy (MFM) and magnetic measurements. Ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases can coexist at low temperatures, and ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases coexist when the temperature lies between the Néel and Curie temperatures. The size and shape of the ferromagnetic phases (the minority phases) was first observed directly from MFM images. It is suggested that the phase separation in LSMO is not the charge segregation type, but an electroneutral type due perhaps to the nonuniform distribution of oxygen vacancies.