Notched magnet for use in voice coil actuators

A voice coil actuator including a magnet, comprising:

• a return structure comprising first and second return structure ends and a bottom portion, said return structure enclosing a magnet and an air gap;
• said magnet comprising:
• a first magnet end positioned adjacent said first return structure end;
• a second magnet end adjacent to said second return structure end;
• a top surface positioned adjacent said air gap;
• a bottom surface positioned adjacent said bottom portion;
• and at least one reversed slope notch.

A linear voice coil actuator, comprising:

• a magnet;
• a return structure comprising first and second return structure ends and a bottom portion, said return structure enclosing said magnet and an air gap;
• a current-carrying coil traveling through said air gap;
• wherein said magnet comprises:
• a first magnet end positioned adjacent said first return structure end;
• a second magnet end positioned adjacent said second return structure end;
• a top surface positioned adjacent said air gap;
• a bottom surface positioned adjacent said bottom portion;
• a reversed slope notch formed by a first notch surface and a second notch surface, said first notch surface being substantially planar and substantially perpendicular to the horizontal, said second notch surface being substantially planar and meeting said first notch surface to subtend an angle;
• and a ramp positioned in proximity to said first magnet end.