New opportunities in science, materials, and biological systems in the low-gravity (magnetic levitation) environment (invited)

We discuss new opportunities that present themselves with the advent of very high magnetic field resistive magnets with appreciable central bore access. A detailed description of the parameters of the magnetic force environment for the case of diamagnetic materials in a water-cooled Bitter-type resistive magnet is provided for the reader who may have an interest in low-gravity experiments. We discuss emerging research activities involving novel uses of magnetic forces in high field resistive magnets at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Particular attention is given to the area of diamagnetic materials that allow a low or zero gravity state, i.e., magnetic levitation. These include studies involving plant growth, protein crystallization, and dynamics of single particles and granular materials. In the latter case, unique aspects of the magnetic force environment allow low gravity experiments on particulates that cannot be performed on the Space Shuttle due to the lack of a weak confining potential in space. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021- 8979(00)68308-1].