Quantum Levitation

The Magnetic Locking Ability of Superconductors

Jarrett BagliettoTaylor Jones

SRJCPhysics 43

Spring 2014

Quantum levitation or quantum locking is the ability of a superconductor to perfectly match the magnetic fields surrounding it.

AKAQuantum LockingMagnetic LevitationMagnetic LockingMagnetic Flux LockingQuantum Magnetism

What is Quantum Levitation?

A superconductor is a material, that when cooled to a temperature below its critical temperature, it’s electrical resistivity goes to zero.

First discovered by: Heike Kamerlingh Onnes

What is a Superconductor?

Almost any material, if cooled enough, can be made into a superconductor.

Even many materials which are insulators at room temperature can be superconductors when cooled to extremely low temperatures.

What is a Superconductor Made Of?

Elements : Al, Sn, Hg, Pb

Alloys : Mercury or Yttrium based

Organics : Carbon nanotubes

Ceramics : LBCO, YBCO, TBCCO

Ceramics :

Compound Critical Temp(K)

What Does Quantum Levitation Do?

Because of the zero resistance properties of superconductors we get an effect known as quantum levitation. This phenomenon creates a magnetic locking effect between the superconductor and the magnetic field. Thus allowing the superconductor to levitate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws6AAhTw7RA

-The Meissner Effect:When a superconductor reaches its critical temperature all magnetic fields applied to it are excluded from the interior. In other words, the field will go around it, not through it.

Why It Happens

-SupercurrentsWhen a superconductor at its critical temperature is exposed to a magnetic field currents are induced within it. These currents then induce an opposing magnetic field. Due to the lack of any resistivity, the currents are able to perfectly mirror the magnetic field applied to the superconductor. The currents also adjust instantaneously with any changes in the field from things such as movement. Thus a floating piece of superconductor will stay in any position it is left in and will follow a magnetic track.

The Meissner Effect can also be explained mathematically with the London Equations.

If a superconductor with a easily achievable critical temperature (ideally above room temperature) were to be found or if a system that could easily keep a superconductor at its critical temperature were to be invented…

The Future

It Is Possible!

How Far We Have Come

http://joonbug.com/national/cool-shit/A-Real-Life-Hoverboard/vcBK9lgtdio#disqus_thread

http://www.united-academics.org/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/4131403101_bfa1b44f9b_n.jpg

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/solids/meis.html#c2

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/solids/maglev.html#c2

http://rspa.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/149/866/71

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110924125321/bttf/images/1/1d/Mattel_Hoverboard.png

http://www.carspicturesdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hover-car-rolls-royce-phantom-by-dannypcarlyon-on-deviantart.png

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rL6f93lX5n4/UBW6CSJTo-I/AAAAAAAAJQs/Be427QBfmUM/s1600/Quantum+Levitation+Can+Hold+Cars!.png

Works Cited