Moses effect: physics and applications

Abstract

Deformation of the surface of a diamagnetic liquid by a magnetic field is called the "Moses Effect". Magnetic fields of ca 0.5 T give rise to near surface dips with a depth of dozens of microns. The physics and applications of direct and inverse Moses effects are reviewed, including trapping and self-assembly of particles. Experimental techniques enabling visualization of the effects are surveyed. The impact of a magnetic field on micro- and macroscopic properties of liquids is addressed. The influence of surface tension on the shape of the near-surface dip formed in a diamagnetic liquid by magnetic field is reported. Floating of diamagnetic bodies driven by the Moses effect is treated. The "magnetic memory of water" in relation to the Moses Effect is discussed. The dynamics of self-healing of near-surface dips due to the Moses Effect is considered.

Keywords: Diamagnetic liquid surface; Interfacial tension; Magnetic field; Moses effect; Shape of the near-surface dip.