The Dynamic Etalon
The Dynamic Etalon was conceived and developed as an economical tool for magnetic research. Basically, this unique lens is a Fabry-Perot Interferometer combined with a modified Hele-Shaw cell. The nano particle mixture within the lens respond dynamically in the presence of a magnetic field.
A real-time holographic representation of magnetic flux is clearly visible to the observer or image recorder, unlike a typical computer generated pattern plotted by software. A viewable 3-D image was confirmed by two US Patent Examiners during an interview at the USPTO in 2011.
Similar effects can be obtained from magnetic viewing film, but our dynamic etalon renders a 3-D image, greater detail, and couples perfectly with a laser to function in the transmission mode where altering the beam angle electrically becomes a simple task. Alternatively, these lenses can be edge lit for a spatial presentation of magnetic flux.
In mid-2004, our work with near-field coupling led to the construction of a special type of lens utilizing the ferrohydrodynamic properties of a Ferrofluid. A successful device was constructed that rendered the H-field visible to the naked eye as a real-time 3-dimensional event.
Continued refinements led to the creation of these dynamic etalons.
Over the course of several years, a handful of curious experimenters came forward to examine these lenses and provide their
own theories describing this magnetic-photonic event.
Continued testing of these lenses utilizing electromagnetic fields gave rise to the use of magnets. From an efficiency standpoint,
magnets are much easier to use. They are always 'on', continuously generating a field without generating heat, and they don't
consume power while doing so. As of 2008, almost all the test procedures have been performed with magnets.
Magnet configurations range from cylinder to sphere, cube, bar and ring. Each contribute their own spatial pattern, dependent
upon their fields orientation. A variety of light sources have been used in these tests. Incandescent, LED and laser exhibit their
own photonic pattern in the transmission mode or back-lit mode of operation.
