Programmable Magnets

Martin Hellman writes "A few weeks ago Popular Mechanics awarded one of its Breakthrough Awards for the invention of 'programmable magnets.' Instead of having a single North or South pole, these clever devices have an array of North and South poles. If a matching device with exactly the same array is aligned with the first one, they will experience strong repulsion, just like two single North poles do when brought near one another. If the matching device has the complementary array (North and South interchanged), with correct alignment the two devices will attract. But a slight misalignment will cancel most of the force. Other configurations are possible as well, allowing frictionless magnetic gears and exploding toys. The inventor, Larry Fullerton, used techniques similar to those from CDMA modulation. (Watch the intro video for a brief explanation. While I don't understand magnetism that well, I do understand CDMA and carrying over those ideas to magnetic arrays does make sense to me.)"

Obligatory:

[Even on Slashdot FOE]

Effing magnets - how do they work?

This is the break through I've been waiting for

[AttillaTheNun]

I can finally complete my perpetual motion machine!

magnetic gears

[Ryanrule]

Sounds like a research goal in Alpha Centauri. I am pleased.

Exploding toys?

[denzacar]

Weren't those called firecrackers and fireworks?

Or are we talking more like filling a bag with hydrogen and throwing matches at it?

Re:One small step...

[Wireless Joe]

I've already created this, but in reverse; I have a spaceship with two magnets; one weaker one in the nose cone, and one stronger one that hangs out in front of the ship on a pole and a string. The stronger magnet pulls the weaker one up toward it, generating lift, which moves the rocket through space. Limitless free propulsion!

Re:Obligatory:

[circletimessquare]

Magnetism is a gift from God. Do not believe the filthy scientists who wish to destroy your faith in God by "explaining" magnetism by science. It is a trick.

Every time you experience magnetism, smile, and know that you are feeling the gifts of the Holy One. And never forget: to use your mind is to go against the will of God.

Yawn.

[lxs]

Wake me up when they invent magnets with east and west poles.

Re:This is the break through I've been waiting for

[Combatso]

on this site, we obey the laws of THERMODYNAMICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!