Attempt to improve sensitivity in measuring diamagnetic anisotropy by increasing duration of rotational oscillation in microgravity

Abstract

Technical basis to detect small diamagnetic anisotropy Δχ DIA is established in a method using microgravity μG. Sensitivity of Δχ can be improved by increasing length of measurable period of rotational oscillation of magnetically stable axis with respect to field direction. In order to achieve the above condition, position of the diamagnetic sample should be stabilized in static field area, which was realized by introducing a magnetic circuit with high field homogeneity. Function of a mobile sample stage was effective in minimizing translational motion of sample. Accordingly, magnitude of measurable anisotropy may be decreased to a level of 10-10 emu/g. ΔχDIA of materials with high crystal symmetry, namely hexagonal ice, ZnO, SiC and BaTiO3, can be obtained by the above improvement. Magnetically active property due to magnetic anisotropy may be recognized for almost all the solid materials when sensitivity reaches the above level. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.