Helical graphite metamaterials for intense and locally controllable magnetic fields

Abstract

We propose a novel class of bulk metamaterials, termed helical graphite (HG), which is able to produce intense magnetic fields under an external electrical bias. The nanometer-sized helical structures that make up such a material are formed by introducing periodic SDs in graphite or it's associated boron nitride hybrids. The system behaves as a collection of individual, closely packed nano-solenoids, which generate magnetic field when a current flows through them. Systems based solely on carbon or hybrid carbon–boron nitride are analyzed comparatively, assessing their stability and potential in generating strong magnetic fields. Our results show that the magnetic field produced by HG structures is not only tunable but may also surpass the typical values obtained in rare-earth magnets.