I found this link while looking for information on passive magnetic bearings. Might be of some interrest
http://www.matchrockets.com/ether/halbach.html
It would be interesting to test the SMOT using the Halbach array!
Halbach arrays throw the field to one side. I am not sure they
would help. Very good for mag-lev trains (the Lawrence
Livermore/Post variant - as opposed to the Eric Laithwaite/
Sussex University space launcher type).
The steel ball will be pulled up?
I don't reckon SMOT territory is Halbach territory
but it might work. The N-S-N-S should be
N-N-N-N and one side and S-S-S-S on the other.
It is over complicated, and bear in mind "Occams
Razor" !!! Have you seen this? -
http://jnaudin.free.fr/html/smotidx.htm
Paul.