System and method for demonstrating and investigating brownian motion effects on a diamagnetically suspended particle
View Patent ↗An apparatus for demonstrating, investigating and observing Brownian motion and temperature of a medium, such as gas or liquid, uses a small particle which is diamagnetically suspended in the medium. The tiny magnetized particle having a known mass is levitated using a diamagnetic technique, and the displacement of the particle over time is observable, which can be used to determine a temperature of the medium. Optionally, a second particle is suspended in a vacuum but mechanically connected to the same apparatus as the first enclosure with the first particle, thereby allowing observation and measurement of non-Brownian movement of the structure, and allowing more precise observation of Brownian movement effects on the first suspended particle.
1. A method for arranging components for investigating the effects of Brownian motion relative to temperature of a non-solid medium, said method comprising the steps of:
enclosing an amount of a non-solid medium for investigation in a first enclosure;
arranging a diamagnetic base and a magnetic particle with respect to said first enclosure such that said magnetic particle is diamagnetically suspended within said medium without mechanical support, said magnetic particle having sufficiently small mass so as to be measurably displaced over time by Brownian Motion of said medium; and
providing a means for observing and measuring the movement and displacement of said suspended particle over time.
2. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of providing a means for observing displacement of said suspended particle over time comprises:
providing a collection plate; and
arranging a light source to shine onto a surface of said suspended magnetic particle in a configuration such that the light is reflected off the magnetic particle and onto a collection plate.
3. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of providing a means for observing displacement of said suspended particle over time comprises:
providing a collection plate; and
arranging a light source to shine onto a surface of said suspended magnetic particle opposite of said collection plate such that a shadow is produced by the suspended particle on said collection plate.
4. The method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising:
providing a second diamagnetically suspended magnetic particle within a second enclosure in which a relative vacuum is maintained,
arranging a second light source to shine on said second particle, and
mechanically coupling said first enclosure, second enclosure, and said magnets so as to equally induce equivalent movement and vibrations which are due to non-Brownian sources, thereby allowing simultaneous observation of non-Browian movement of the second particle, and combined Brownian and non-Brownian movement of the first particle.
5. The method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a gas medium in which said first magnetic particle is suspended.
6. The method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a liquid medium in which said first magnetic particle is suspended.
7. An apparatus for demonstrating and observing the effects of Brownian motion relative to temperature of a non-solid medium, said apparatus comprising:
a first enclosure containing an amount of a non-solid medium for investigation;
a diamagnetic base and a magnetic particle arranged with respect to said first enclosure such that said magnetic particle is diamagnetically suspended within said medium without mechanical support, said magnetic particle having sufficiently small mass so as to be measurably displaced over time by Brownian Motion of said medium; and
a means for observing and measuring the movement and displacement of said suspended particle over time.
8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein a means for observing displacement of said suspended particle over time comprises:
a collection plate; and
a light source arranged to shine onto a surface of said suspended magnetic particle in a configuration such that the light is reflected off the magnetic particle and onto a collection plate.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said a means for observing displacement of said suspended particle over time comprises:
a collection plate; and
a light source arranged to shine onto a surface of said suspended magnetic particle opposite of said collection plate such that a shadow is produced by the suspended particle on said collection plate.
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further comprising:
a second magnetic particle diamagnetically suspended within a second enclosure in which a relative vacuum is maintained,
a second light source arranged to shine on said second particle, and
a structure for mechanically coupling said first enclosure, second enclosure, and said magnets so as to equally induce equivalent movement and vibrations which are due to non-Brownian sources, thereby allowing simultaneous observation of non-Browian movement of the second particle, and combined Brownian and non-Brownian movement of the first particle.
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a gas medium contained by said first enclosure in which said first magnetic particle is suspended.
12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a liquid medium contained by said first enclosure in which said first magnetic particle is suspended.