Halbach array magnet

Do you need a magnetic field that’s strong on one side and nearly zero on the other? There’s a solution—no wires, just magnets.

A Halbach array is a smart arrangement of magnets that strengthens the magnetic field on one face while canceling it on the other.

Halbach array magnet-magnet assembly

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From motors to maglev trains, this powerful design is driving the future of magnetic engineering.

What is a Halbach array used for?

Magnets are useful—but what if we could point their power in just one direction?

A Halbach array is used in motors, magnetic levitation systems, and particle accelerators where directional magnetic fields improve performance and efficiency.

Where Halbach arrays excel

Halbach arrays focus magnetic fields in one direction. This is a game-changer for applications that need strong magnetic fields without interference or wasted energy. Here’s how they’re applied:

1. Electric Motors

Halbach arrays are used in brushless motors to improve torque, efficiency, and power density. They reduce losses from back iron and allow for compact motor designs.

2. Magnetic Levitation (Maglev)

Maglev trains use Halbach arrays for stable, drag-free levitation. The focused field allows smooth gliding without physical contact.

3. Particle Accelerators

Halbach arrays create strong, uniform magnetic fields in synchrotron undulators, which help bend and accelerate particles for research or imaging.

4. MRI and Medical Equipment

Some advanced MRI designs use Halbach cylinders to produce homogenous internal fields with minimal external interference.

In my own projects, I’ve seen Halbach designs reduce system weight by 20% while maintaining or increasing magnetic output. That’s a major gain for high-performance devices.

How much stronger is a Halbach array?

We know the field is focused, but how much more powerful is it?

A Halbach array can produce a magnetic field that is up to 1.4–2 times stronger on the working side compared to conventional magnet arrangements using the same materials.

Why the field gets stronger

A traditional magnet arrangement causes magnetic flux to leak out in multiple directions. But a Halbach array rotates the orientation of each magnet to redirect all that energy into one concentrated side.

How it works:

• Each magnet’s north and south poles are arranged to reinforce the field on one side.
• The opposing fields cancel each other on the reverse side.
• The result: amplified usable field strength, reduced stray fields.

Example:

Let’s say you place a row of four magnets:

• In a conventional row, fields leak above and below.
• In a Halbach configuration (rotated 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), fields cancel below and focus upward.

We built a Halbach rotor for a coreless motor that achieved 15% higher torque per amp. That allowed our client to cut battery size and improve thermal efficiency.

Conclusion

Halbach arrays are a smart, compact way to control magnetism. They concentrate strength where it’s needed and eliminate waste—perfect for motors, levitation, and advanced tech.