The Barnett effect is a physical phenomenon named after Samuel Barnett, an American physicist who first observed it in 1915. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ˈbɑːrnɪt ɪˈfɛkt/. This effect refers to the change in magnetic polarization of a substance due to rotation. Specifically, when a magnetized substance is rotated about an axis, the direction of magnetization also rotates, leading to the polar angle or magnetic moment changing. The Barnett effect has applications in various fields, including spin-dependent transport and magnetic resonance imaging.
The Barnett effect refers to a phenomenon in physics known as magnetization by rotation or the magnetic circular birefringence. It describes the generation of a magnetic field by the rotation of a non-magnetized solid or liquid. This effect was first observed by American physicist Samuel Barnett in the late 19th century.
When a sample is rotated, its constituent particles experience a centrifugal force due to the rotation. In turn, this causes a momentary separation of electric charges, known as the magnetization current, within the sample. The magnetization current generates a magnetic field perpendicular to both the angular velocity and the direction of the sample's magnetization, according to Ampere's Law. This induced magnetic field then contributes to the total magnetic field observed in the system.
The Barnett effect is particularly significant in systems containing paramagnetic materials, which are easily influenced by external magnetic fields. By rotating paramagnetic substances, this effect can be utilized to produce extremely strong magnetic fields without the need for permanent magnets.
The Barnett effect finds applications in various fields, including materials science, solid-state physics, and geophysics. It has been studied extensively for its potential in energy storage, as an alternative to superconducting magnets, and in developing novel magnetization techniques. By understanding this effect, researchers can further explore its implications, leading to advancements in both fundamental research and practical applications in diverse scientific and technological areas.
The term "Barnett effect" refers to a phenomenon in which a spinning object experiences a torque as a result of its rotation, even in the absence of other external forces. This effect was named after the Scottish physicist Samuel Barnett, who first described it in the late 19th century.
The etymology of the term comes from Samuel Barnett's name. The "Barnett effect" is a tribute to his contribution to the understanding of this particular topic in physics.