Tel Aviv University demonstrates quantum levitation

Quantum levitation

All must be thinking about the quantum levitation ; how it can be used, what is used in it and how it is caused ? Lets find the answer to these questions. 

Researchers from the University of Tel Aviv University gave a demonstration of an astounding magnetic levitation technology.Quantum physics tells us that the magnetic field penetrates into the superconductor in the form of discrete flux tubes. The superconductor strongly pins these tubes, causing it to float in midair. This effect is called 'quantum levitation'.This experiment was led by Prof. Guy Deutscher . 

Maglev trains have been in development since before Luke Skywalker drove his first Land Speeder but like personal rocket packs, the idea of levitating transport is taking  time before it gains popular understanding and use as it seems a little bit complicated. A team from Tel Aviv University has shown a  demonstration in ASTC ,Baltimore. However, it doesn't mean we'll all be floating to work anytime soon, but it reminds us of the amazing potential of this kind of technology.The experiment uses  a crystal sapphire wafer 500 microns wide coated in a yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) ceramic. This YBCO is then cooled below -185ºC (-301ºF)At these frigid temperatures, the ceramic becomes a superconductor and conducts electricity with no resistance at all. And then using liquid nitrogen it becomes a superconductor at a given point,which means   it's able to conduct electricity without energy loss or resistance.In addition to electricity, the disc also experiences the Meissner effect. Hang on, it's not that difficult. This Meissner effect explains the magnetic properties of superconductors. Normally, a magnetic field would pass through a disc, attracting or repelling all parts at the same time. But when the disc is a superconductor, the magnetic field travels around the disc and only forces itself through the weakest points. It's at these points where quantum mechanics takes over. The disc becomes trapped in space, a concept aptly named quantum trapping or quantum levitation.It is this process that enables the sapphire wafer to become locked in suspension above a magnetic surface and travel in mid-air in an almost perpetual motion.

It might look like magic, but it's just quantum mechanics. Someday, technology like this could change how we transport materials, or ourselves! What if cars floated off the ground? What about hoverboards? We'll have to wait and see what this can do for science.


[via Gizmag]

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