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Magnetic cloaks are devices that shield an object from external magnetic fields by manipulating the way they flow around an object – in essence, making them behave as if that object isn‘t there. In research published this week in the journal Science Advances, Leicester engineers showed that practical versions of these cloaks could be made using soft ferromagnets and superconductors in forms simple enough to be manufactured.
The work itself was far from simple, however, relying on advanced mathematical modelling and high-performance simulations. In the past, such cloaks have been restricted to objects with simple shapes such as cylinders. This study is the first to demonstrate how to design magnetic cloaks for objects with irregular geometries like those in the real world.
This could be particularly key in protecting sensitive devices from magnetic interferences, with potential applications in hospitals, power grids, laboratories and the aerospace industry. Potential uses include shielding of components in fusion reactors, protecting medical imaging systems, and isolating quantum sensors in navigation or communication systems.
“Magnetic cloaking is no longer a futuristic concept tied to perfect analytical conditions,” says Dr Harold Ruiz from the University of Leicester School of Engineering. “This study shows that practical, manufacturable cloaks for complex geometries are within reach, enabling next-generation shielding solutions for science, medicine and industry.
“Our next step is the fabrication and experimental testing of these magnetic cloaks using high-temperature superconducting tapes and soft magnetic composites. We are already planning follow-up studies and collaborations to bring these designs into real-world settings.”
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