Quantum levitation, also known as quantum locking or flux pinning, is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs when certain materials are cooled to extremely low temperatures. The key to quantum levitation lies in the principles of superconductivity and the Meissner effect. Here’s a simplified explanation of how quantum levitation works:
Superconductivity:
- When certain materials are cooled to temperatures near absolute zero (around -273.15 degrees Celsius or -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit), they undergo a phase transition and become superconductors.
- Superconductors exhibit zero electrical resistance, allowing electric current to flow without any loss of energy.
Meissner Effect:
- When a superconductor is subjected to a magnetic field, it expels the magnetic flux from its interior. This phenomenon is known as the Meissner effect.
- As a result, the superconductor creates a perfect diamagnetic environment within its bulk, causing it to repel magnetic fields.
Flux Pinning:
- Quantum levitation relies on a special type of superconductivity known as type-II superconductivity.
- Type-II superconductors allow magnetic flux lines to penetrate certain regions called vortices.
- These vortices create tiny magnetic channels within the superconductor.
Quantum Locking:
- When a type-II superconductor is cooled and placed above a magnet, the magnetic flux lines from the magnet penetrate the superconductor in a regular pattern, forming a lattice of vortices.
- As the superconductor attempts to repel the magnetic field due to the Meissner effect, it gets “locked” in a stable position above the magnet.
- The quantum locking effect effectively suspends the superconductor in a fixed position, allowing it to levitate above the magnet.
Quantum Stability:
- Quantum levitation is remarkably stable. Even if the superconductor is tilted or moved, the quantum-locked state persists, maintaining the levitated position.
- This stability is a result of the vortices being pinned in place within the superconductor.
