National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Visitors to the Florida State capital city have the opportunity to visit the largest magnetic research facility in the world. A large sprawling building of 370,000 sq. ft. houses some of the most powerful magnets in the world along with the researchers who use them.

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory magnets are capable of generating fields that are far stronger than those found in nature through the use of superconductors that are cooled with liquid nitrogen. Scientists worldwide visit the lab to conduct research into how fields of this strength affect materials.

With a yearly electricity bill approaching eight million dollars, the lab is the largest user of power in the region. This electricity powers a world-record 45 tesla hybrid magnet, two 35 tesla resistive magnets, and various others. A tesla is a unit of measurement for magnetic fields and for comparison, the Earth’s magnetic field measures approximately 50 microteslas, or one millionth that of the strongest field at the lab.

During tours and the annual open house, scientists are readily available to demonstrate and speak about any research being performed.