Magnet array structure includes a first linear magnet array and a second linear magnet array having a first and a second arrangement of magnets, respectively, in which the first and the second arrangement of magnets are repeated along respective lengths of the first and second linear magnet array. The first and second arrangement of magnets include respective individual first and second magnet elements arranged along the respective length of the first and second linear magnet array so that no net magnetic forces parallel to the length of the first and second linear magnet array result on the first and second arrangement of magnets, respectively. The first arrangement of magnets is offset from the second arrangement of magnets so that the first arrangement of magnets and the second arrangement of magnets partially overlap.

Magnet array structure and method for forming magnet array structure that includes a first linear magnet array including a first magnet arrangement, in which the first magnet arrangement is consecutively repeated and a second linear magnet array including a second magnet arrangement, in which the second magnet arrangement is consecutively repeated. The first magnet arrangement includes a plurality of first magnetic elements having non-uniformly dimensioned widths in a length direction of the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement includes a plurality of second magnetic elements having non-uniformly dimensioned widths in a length direction of the second magnet arrangement. The first linear magnet array is arranged parallel to the second linear magnet array so that the first magnet arrangement is linearly offset from the second magnet arrangement.

A frequency sensor is provided. The frequency sensor may include: a magnetoresistive nano-oscillator including a magnetic heterostructure of at least a magnetic free layer, a magnetic reference layer and a non-magnetic intermediate layer arranged between the magnetic free layer and the magnetic reference layer; a coupling arrangement for coupling an incoming signal to at least one magnetic mode of the magnetic free layer, and a frequency estimator. The frequency estimator may be configured to: perform a plurality of voltage measurements across the magnetoresistive nano-oscillator over time; calculate a time averaged voltage across the magnetoresistive nano-oscillator based on the plurality of voltage measurements; estimate, over a finite range of frequencies, a frequency of the incoming signal based on the calculated time averaged voltage, and output a signal representative of the estimated frequency. A method of estimating a frequency of an incoming signal is also provided.

A method is disclosed of forming magnetically tunable photonic crystals comprising: synthesizing one or more precursory nanoparticles with anisotropic shapes; coating the one or more anisotropic precursory nanoparticles with silica to form composite structures; converting the one or more anisotropic precursory nanoparticles into magnetic nanomaterials through chemical reactions; and assembling the anisotropic magnetic nanoparticles into photonic crystals in a solvent.

Magnet array structure and method for forming magnet array structure that includes a first magnet array including a first repeatable magnet arrangement and second magnet array including a second repeatable magnet arrangement. The first repeatable magnet arrangement includes a plurality of non-uniformly dimensioned magnetic elements and the second repeatable magnet arrangement includes a plurality of non-uniformly dimensioned magnetic elements. Further, the first repeatable magnet arrangement is offset from the second repeatable magnet arrangement to limit attraction forces between the first and second magnet arrays.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, -Fe and magnesium nickel.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, -Fe and magnesium nitride.

Magnet arrangements, sensor devices and corresponding methods are provided comprising a first magnet portion and a second magnet portion. The first magnet portion is spaced apart from the second magnet portion, and the second magnet portion comprises a bore. In a corresponding sensor device, a sensor element may be provided at a position between the first and second magnet portions.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, -Fe and magnesium nitride.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a container containing a metal and/or ferromagnetic solid and abrasive particles in a static magnetic field; where the container is surrounded by an induction coil; activating the induction coil with an electrical current, to heat up the metallic or ferromagnetic solid to form a fluid; generating sonic energy to produce acoustic cavitation and abrasion between the abrasive particles and the container; and producing nanoparticles that comprise elements from the container, the metal and/or the ferromagnetic solid and the abrasive particles. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising first metal or a first ceramic; and particles comprising carbides and/or nitrides dispersed therein. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising chromium carbide, iron carbide, nickel carbide, y.-Fe and magnesium nitride.