Design and validation of a single-sided magnet with a constant gradient parallel to its surface

We present the design, validation, and testing of an optimized 5 MHz three-magnet array with a gradient parallel to the magnet surface. An approach to permanent magnet array design is explored with a genetic algorithm. The genetic algorithm was used to produce multiple designs based on an inventory of available block magnets. One three-magnet array was constructed for testing. Constant gradients of 205, 115, and 61 gauss/cm, parallel to the magnet surface are found at displacements of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 cm from the surface of the magnet, respectively. Regions of useful gradient are roughly 1 cm in length. We constructed and field plotted the three-magnet array and found good agreement between the experimental and simulated magnet fields. To test applicability, we performed T₁ and T₂ relaxation measurements on a cod liver oil sample, and a simple doped water flow measurement.