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arXiv · 1104.0026

Electromagnetic propulsion and separation by chirality of nanoparticles in liquids

E. Kirkinis·A. V. Andreev·B. Spivak
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Abstract

We introduce a new mechanism for the propulsion and separation by chirality of small ferromagnetic particles suspended in a liquid. Under the action of a uniform d.c. magnetic field H and an a.c. electric field E isomers with opposite chirality move in opposite directions. Such a mechanism could have a significant impact on a wide range of emerging technologies. The component of the chiral velocity that is odd in H is found to be proportional to the intrinsic orbital and spin angular momentum of the magnetized electrons. This effect arises because a ferromagnetic particle responds to the applied torque as a small gyroscope.

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E. Kirkinis, A. V. Andreev, B. Spivak. 2011-03-31. Electromagnetic propulsion and separation by chirality of nanoparticles in liquids. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.85.016321

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