Discovered 100 years ago, continues to fascinate and attract the interest of scientists and non-scientists all around the globe. Being the only quantum phenomena visible to the naked eye, it offers a unique window to quantum mechanics.
Choosing a Superconductor Kit: What the Options Actually Include
From $25 maglev toys to $1,149 force-measurement rigs: what is physically in the box in each price band, and which kit fits which project.
Search for a superconductor or levitation kit and the results run from $25 toys to four-figure lab apparatus, often described in nearly identical language. The differences are real and easy to state. This guide sorts the market into four categories by what is physically in the box and what each can demonstrate — so you can match the kit to the project, not the marketing. What you are actually paying for Four things separate a $25 kit from a $1,000 one: whether there is a superconductor in the box at all (and whether it is a single-domain YBCO levitator or a weaker sintered disc), the magnets (an engineered track versus a single cube), the cooling provisions (a foam bath and handling tools, or nothing), and whether the kit can produce measurements rather than only a spectacle. Category 1 — permanent-magnet maglev kits (~$25–$150, no liquid nitrogen) No superconductor: levitation by permanent-magnet repulsion, stabilised by guide rails, because Earnshaw’s theorem forbids stable static levitation with magnets alone. Toy-grade versions demonstrate the idea; the physics available for an actual project depends on magnet quality. Our Magnetic Train Science Fair Kit sits at the top of this category: a levitating vehicle on a magnet track, strong enough to carry measurable payloads — which turns it into a real levitation-height-versus-load experiment, with no cryogenics and no safety approvals. Category 2 — basic superconductor demonstration kits (~$139–$180) A YBCO disc, a magnet and tweezers. This is the format most distributor-listed “economy superconductivity kits” share, at similar prices. What varies is the superconductor itself and where the kit comes from: we manufacture ours, so the Economy Superconductivity Levitation Kit (from $139) uses our own levitators, can be upgraded at purchase with a stronger levitator and a magnetic track (up to $399), and every part — including the disc, which is a consumable if handled roughly — is available as a spare rather than a reason to rebuy a kit. Category 3 — maglev track kits (~$400–$1,500) The demonstration that wins rooms: a field-cooled superconductor locked above a circular magnetic track, moving with almost no friction, upside down if you like. The Mini Maglev Kit is the portable entry point; the Ø72 cm Maglev Kit is the full-size version built for classrooms and outreach audiences. Category 4 — quantitative kits (~$500–$1,150) Where a demonstration becomes an experiment. The Meissner Effect & Flux Pinning Force Experiment Kit ($899–$1,149) measures pinning force with interchangeable magnetic heads and exports the data for analysis; the 4-point critical-temperature setup measures the superconducting transition itself. If the goal is a science fair judged on method and data rather than spectacle, this category — or the kitchen-scale method in our flux-pinning force experiment guide — is the honest recommendation. The short version Young students, or no liquid nitrogen allowed: Magnetic Train Kit — real project, zero cryogenics. First superconductor, tight budget: Economy Kit from $139 — take the track option if the budget stretches; it multiplies what you can demonstrate. Classroom or outreach spectacle: a maglev track kit. Competitive science fair: the force experiment kit, or an economy kit plus the measurement method. Anything with a superconductor needs liquid nitrogen — cheaper and easier to get than most people expect; the liquid nitrogen guide covers sourcing and safety. Still unsure? The which-kit guide matches kits to age, budget and facilities in five questions.
The Flux-Pinning Force Experiment: A Science-Fair Method That Wins on Data
Turn quantum levitation into real experimental physics: variables, field-cooling protocol, force measurement, uncertainty and the graphs judges want to see.
A superconductor floating above a magnet is a demonstration. A science-fair project is an experiment. Judges — and the ISEF judging criteria they work from — reward a testable question, defined variables, controls, repeated measurements and honest uncertainty, not impressive apparatus on its own. This page turns quantum levitation into exactly that kind of project: a quantitative measurement of the flux-pinning force. The research question Pick one question you can answer with numbers. Good examples: How does the pinning force change with the gap between the superconductor and the magnet at field-cooling? Which magnet geometry — ring, cube array, or track segment — pins the disc most strongly per gram of magnet? How much payload can a field-cooled disc carry before it detaches, and how does that depend on cooling height? How does the force decay as the disc warms after leaving the nitrogen bath? Variables and controls Independent variable (change one only): field-cooling gap, magnet configuration, payload, or elapsed time after cooling. Dependent variable: the vertical force in newtons, or the levitation height in millimetres. Controls: the same YBCO disc throughout, the same cooling protocol (see below — this matters more than anything else), the same soak time in liquid nitrogen (60 s minimum), and the same magnet unless the magnet is your variable. Two ways to measure force Route 1 — the purpose-built rig. The Meissner Effect & Flux Pinning Force Experiment Kit includes a force-measurement unit, interchangeable magnetic heads and a data logger that exports your readings for analysis. This is the shortest path from question to graph, and the exported data makes the analysis section of your report straightforward. Route 2 — the kitchen-scale method. With any levitation kit — the Economy Superconductivity Kit is enough — place a digital scale under the magnet, zero it, then field-cool the disc above it. Pressing the disc down reads as increased weight; pulling it up (via a light non-magnetic spacer and thread) reads as decreased weight. The scale reading times g is your force. Less precise than the rig, but a well-characterised uncertainty on a cheap instrument is itself good experimental practice — say so in your report. Method: field cooling is the whole trick Fix the gap with a non-magnetic spacer (stacked microscope slides work; measure the stack with callipers). Place the warm disc on the spacer above the magnet, then pour liquid nitrogen and let the disc soak for at least 60 seconds after boiling calms. Cooling in the field traps flux lines in the disc — this is what pins it. A disc cooled away from the magnet and brought in afterwards mostly shows Meissner repulsion instead, and behaves differently. Cooling protocol is your most important control. Remove the spacer, take your measurement, and record it immediately — the disc starts warming the moment it leaves the bath. Repeat each configuration at least five times with a full re-cool between runs. Report the mean and the standard deviation, and put error bars on every point. What the graph should show Force against field-cooling gap typically falls off steeply and non-linearly — plot it, then test a functional form rather than only drawing the curve. A table of means and standard deviations, a plot with error bars, and one honest paragraph on the largest source of error (usually warming during measurement, or gap measurement) is worth more to a judge than any amount of extra apparatus. Explaining the physics without hand-waving Two different effects are in play and naming them correctly is where most projects stumble. The Meissner effect is the expulsion of magnetic field from the superconductor — pure repulsion, which on its own is unstable. Flux pinning is a type-II superconductor trapping quantised flux lines at defects in the material — which is why a field-cooled disc is locked to the magnet and resists being pushed and pulled. Our primers on Meissner versus flux pinning and how superconducting levitation works cover the depth a judge’s follow-up question will reach. Safety and permissions Liquid nitrogen requires adult supervision, eye protection and ventilation — and some fairs ask for paperwork in advance. Our liquid nitrogen guide covers sourcing, handling and a downloadable risk-assessment template you can hand to the fair organisers. If cryogenics are ruled out entirely, the Magnetic Train Science Fair Kit supports a parallel project — measuring levitation height against load with permanent magnets — with no liquid nitrogen at all. Not sure which apparatus fits your budget and fair rules? Start with the science fair project hub or the which-kit guide.
Maglev Magnets: How They Work, Where They’re Used, and Why They Matter
Magnetic levitation has moved from futuristic dreams to science class reality, and at the center of it all are maglev magnets. But what exactly are they, and how can they make objects float? In this article, we’ll explore how maglev magnets work, where they’re commonly used, and how they bring physics to life in American […]
Magnetic levitation has moved from futuristic dreams to science class reality, and at the center of it all are maglev magnets. But what exactly are they, and how can they make objects float? In this article, we’ll explore how maglev magnets work, where they’re commonly used, and how they bring physics to life in American classrooms and science fairs. What Are Maglev Magnets? Maglev (short for magnetic levitation) magnets are typically made of strong neodymium materials. They’re arranged to either repel or stabilize objects without physical contact, creating the floating effect that defines magnetic levitation. There are two main types of maglev magnets: Type Description Permanent magnets (NdFeB) Strong, affordable, used in most DIY kits and toys Superconducting magnets Require cooling, used in advanced demonstrations and research In most educational kits, permanent neodymium magnets are the go-to option due to their strength and ease of use. How Do Maglev Magnets Work? Maglev magnets work by exploiting the fundamental law of magnetism: like poles repel. When you align the same poles of two magnets, they push away from each other with enough force to counteract gravity. To stabilize levitation (so the floating object doesn’t flip or fall), kits often use a guided magnetic track or a balance of attraction and repulsion. In superconducting applications, “flux pinning” locks the levitating object in space. According to MIT- “Magnetic levitation illustrates key concepts in motion, force, and equilibrium, making it ideal for active learning.” Where Are Maglev Magnets Used? Maglev magnets aren’t just for science kits. You’ll find them in: High- speed maglev trains that glide above tracks with zero friction Levitating display stands for products and gadgets DIY kits that make magnetic levitation accessible to students Superconducting experiments in research labs In the U.S., they’re especially popular in STEM programs and science fairs. With over 94% of U.S. schools integrating STEM education (Education Week), tools that make physics tangible are more in demand than ever. <img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-850" src="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Quantum-Levitation-Maglev-Kit-600x472.jpg" alt="Quantum levitation maglev kit" width="508" height="400" srcset="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Quantum-Levitation-Maglev-Kit-600x472.jpg 600w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Quantum-Levitation-Maglev-Kit-510x401.jpg 510w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Quantum-Levitation-Maglev-Kit-768x604.jpg 768w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Quantum-Levitation-Maglev-Kit-350x275.jpg 350w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Quantum-Levitation-Maglev-Kit-300x236.jpg 300w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Quantum-Levitation-Maglev-Kit-508x400.jpg 508w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Quantum-Levitation-Maglev-Kit-1017x800.jpg 1017w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Quantum-Levitation-Maglev-Kit.jpg 1028w" sizes="(max-width: 508px) 100vw, 508px" /> Maglev Kits in Education Science kits that use maglev magnets help students: Understand core physics concepts like force and motion Engage with hands-on learning Prepare for STEM careers from an early age Our DIY Maglev Kit includes high- grade neodymium magnets, a magnetic track, and all the components needed to build a working model of magnetic levitation. Designed for U.S. middle schools, homeschool programs, and curious tinkerers of all ages. Final Thoughts Maglev magnets turn invisible forces into visible, hands on science. Whether you’re building a science fair project or just want to explore real world physics, this is one of the most exciting and educational technologies out there. Order your DIY Maglev Kit today and let learning levitate. FAQ’S What are maglev magnets made of? They’re typically made from neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), known for producing strong magnetic fields. Can I build a maglev train model with this kit? Yes! Our kit allows you to build a floating model and explore how magnetic repulsion works in real time. Is it safe for kids? Yes, under supervision. The magnets are powerful, so we recommend the kit for ages 10+.
Science Experiment Kits for Teens: 6 Fascinating Ways to Demonstrate Magnetic Levitation
Magnetic levitation is a phenomenon that combines physics and wonder, capturing the imagination of anyone who sees it in action. From science enthusiasts to educators, showcasing magnetic levitation is a perfect way to explore advanced scientific principles in a visually stunning manner. If you’re looking for engaging ways to demonstrate this, we’ve got six incredible […]
Magnetic levitation is a phenomenon that combines physics and wonder, capturing the imagination of anyone who sees it in action. From science enthusiasts to educators, showcasing magnetic levitation is a perfect way to explore advanced scientific principles in a visually stunning manner. If you’re looking for engaging ways to demonstrate this, we’ve got six incredible setups that are perfect for classrooms, science fairs, or just wowing your friends at home. These demonstrations are also great for science experiment kits for teens, providing hands-on learning about quantum physics and quantum levitation. Let’s dive in! Levitation Over a Still Magnet This is one of the simplest and most striking demonstrations of magnetic levitation. By cooling a superconductor to its critical temperature and placing it above a magnet, you’ll witness the superconductor float steadily in midair. This occurs because the superconductor locks the magnetic field lines, creating a stable 3D locking effect. How to Set It Up: Use a superconductor disk and a strong neodymium magnet. Cool the superconductor with liquid nitrogen until it’s fully supercooled. This should take around 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the bubbling subsides. Carefully place the superconductor above the magnet and push it towards the magnet. You should feel a slight resistance as the flux gets pinned inside the superconductor. It now hovers in place, seemingly defying gravity. Pro Tip: Once the levitation is stable, try gently pushing the superconductor in any direction. It will remain locked in its new position, demonstrating the robustness and 3D nature of quantum locking. Floating with Ring Magnets Want to take it up a notch? Create a mesmerizing rotating & floating effect using ring magnets. Once the superconductor is cooled, place it on the ring path and watch as it locks into place and glides effortlessly. Don’t forget to lock the superconductor in the field by pushing it towards the magnet, feeling the gentle resistance. This demonstration not only shows levitation but also frictionless motion, due to the 3D locking and symmetric nature of the magnetic field (along the ring axis). How to Set It Up: Arrange a series of ring magnets in a circular or custom pattern. Cool the superconductor and gently place it on the magnetic path. Lock the superconductor in the magnetic field. Observe how it moves smoothly, locked in its position due to quantum locking. Best for: Science experiment kits for teens, science fairs, and exhibitions where you want a continuous, hypnotic motion that grabs attention. DIY Straight and Circular Tracks If you’re looking to add a creative DIY element to your demonstration, building straight or circular magnetic tracks is the way to go. The superconductor glides steadily along these tracks, even if they’re tilted or sloped. This shows the stability of quantum locking in action. How to Set It Up: Build a magnetic track by carefully placing magnets on a metallic sheet. Make two parallel lines of magnets, preferably with an even space between them. You can make curves and straight lines but Make sure to keep the track as even as possible. Make sure magnets along each track are pointing in the same direction (e.g., up) while the other track is facing the opposite way (e.g., down). Cool your superconductor to its critical temperature. Place it on the track, lock it in the magnetic field, and give it a gentle push. It will glide smoothly, as if riding on an invisible rail. Pro Tip: Use a sloped track for added dramatic effect, demonstrating how the superconductor resists falling or slipping. Levitation of a Small Magnet Above a Superconductor This reverse levitation setup is sure to fascinate your audience. Instead of levitating the superconductor, cool it down and place a small magnet above it. The magnet will float in midair, perfectly stable, due to the interaction with the superconducting material. How to Set It Up: Cool the superconductor in liquid nitrogen. Place the superconductor on a flat, thermally insulating surface like styrofoam or plastic. If you’re using Quantum Levitation Superconductors, place the levitator with its bottom facing up (that’s where the superconductor is). Position a small, lightweight magnet just above the superconductor. It should be repelled and fly off immediately. Congratulations! You’ve just witnessed the Meissner effect! Push the magnet towards the superconductor until it is locked stably. Watch as the magnet hovers and rotates freely. Why It’s Cool: This setup is simple yet visually captivating, making it ideal for quick demos or close-up videos. Superconductor Floating Beneath a Strong Magnet Flip the script with this demonstration where the superconductor hovers beneath a powerful magnet. This inversion of the typical levitation setup showcases how the locking of magnetic flux, flux pinning, is responsible for the levitation and not magnetic repulsion, such as the Meissner effect. How to Set It Up: Secure a strong magnet in a fixed position so that you have access below it. Preferably, make a bridge setup where the magnet sits in the top middle. SAFETY ISSUE – Make sure the magnet is fastened steadily to a stand. Magnets exert huge forces and may cause serious injury. Cool the superconductor and carefully place it underneath the magnet. Push the superconductor towards the magnet until it locks in place and hovers below the magnet, defying expectations. Pro Tip: The closer the superconductor gets to the magnets, the stronger the levitation becomes and can suspend heavier weights. Experiment with positioning and hanging different weights to explore the locking effect. Quantum Locking at Different Angles For a truly mind-bending demonstration, use the quantum locking phenomenon to make the superconductor disk held steady at different angles. Once cooled, the superconductor will remain locked in its position, keeping its orientation with the magnetic field. How to Set It Up: Cool the superconductor disk with liquid nitrogen. Place a magnetic setup on a steady surface. Take the cooled superconductor and lock it above the magnets. See that it stays locked in space. Push and pull the superconductor and rearrange its orientation. Observe how it stays locked in position, either floating or clinging, no matter the direction. Try taking the magnetic setup in your hand, moving it and tilting it while the superconductor is locked. See that it stays in place. Why It’s a Showstopper: This setup is perfect for sparking conversations about advanced physics concepts, as it challenges perceptions of gravity and stability. Explore the Magic of Quantum Levitation Magnetic levitation is not just science—it’s an experience. These six demonstrations highlight the beauty and complexity of superconductivity in ways that are sure to captivate any audience. They are also ideal for inclusion in science experiment kits for teens, making quantum physics more interactive and accessible. Experiment with these setups, share the wonder with others, and let the marvel of quantum physics inspire curiosity and creativity. Happy experimenting!
Science Fair Project Ideas That Use Real Physics
Are you tired of the same old baking soda volcanoes and potato batteries at science fairs? If you're looking to stand out from the crowd and impress the judges, it's time to get creative and think outside the box! In this article, we'll explore some unconventional science fair project ideas that are sure to wow both judges and audiences alike. From exploring the effects of music on plant growth to investigating the relationship between sleep and memory retention, these unique project ideas will pique the judges' interest and spark insightful conversations. By delving into lesser-known scientific concepts and taking a hands-on approach, you'll demonstrate your passion for learning and your ability to think critically. Whether you have a natural curiosity for the world around you or simply want to make a lasting impression, these unconventional science fair project ideas are the perfect way to showcase your talents and creativity. Prepare to wow the judges with projects that push the boundaries of traditional science fair experiments. Get ready to think outside the beaker and step into the lab with these innovative ideas!
A levitation project stands out at a science fair because nothing else on the table is doing it. The catch is that the best version needs liquid nitrogen, and the version that needs none is a different project with different physics. This page sorts out which one you can actually build, then covers the planning, safety and presentation that decide your score. The short answer Biggest wow for the money: the Economy Superconductivity Levitation Kit ($139–$399) — a real YBCO superconductor locked in mid-air. Needs liquid nitrogen. Best for a judged, data-driven project: the Meissner & Flux-Pinning Force Experiment Kit ($899–$1,149) — measures pinning force and exports the data. Method in our flux-pinning force experiment guide. Best without liquid nitrogen: the Magnetic Train Science Fair Kit ($69–$172) — a permanent-magnet maglev train, no cryogenics and no safety approvals. Three projects, sorted by what you can get hold of Start here: six ways to demonstrate levitation An overview of the whole field — still magnets, ring magnets, DIY tracks and three superconductor demonstrations. Read this first if you have not settled on a project yet. Maglev train — no liquid nitrogen Permanent magnets and a guide-walled track. Buildable in any classroom with no cryogenics and no special safety approval. Best suited to demonstrating friction, load and the limits of magnetic stability. Superconductor hoverboard — needs liquid nitrogen A YBCO disc cooled to −196 °C locks above a magnetic track and stays there at any angle. This is true stable levitation and it wins fairs, but you need a supply of liquid nitrogen and an adult supervising. Which one should you pick? Start with the liquid nitrogen question, because it decides everything else. If you can get a few litres through a school lab, a university department or a local welding or medical supplier, build the superconductor project — it demonstrates a genuine quantum effect and there is no way for a judge to mistake it for a trick. Our liquid nitrogen guide covers where to buy it and how to transport it. If you cannot, do not treat the magnet project as a consolation prize. It answers a real engineering question — why do trains have a speed ceiling, and what happens when you remove the wheels — and it gives you something the superconductor project does not: a quantity you can vary and measure repeatedly in an afternoon. Planning it properly Judges reward a question with an answer, not a demonstration. Before you build anything, write down the variable you are going to change, the quantity you are going to measure, and what you expect to happen. A project that measures levitation height against load and plots the curve beats a project that simply makes something float, every time. Then plan the practical side: The steps of the experiment, in the order you will run them Every material and instrument, including the ruler or scale you will measure with How many times you will repeat each measurement — three runs minimum, so you can show your results are not a fluke How you will record results as you go, rather than reconstructing them afterwards A realistic timeline, working backwards from the fair date Do a literature review before you start, too. Knowing that Earnshaw’s theorem forbids stable levitation with permanent magnets alone, or that flux pinning is what holds the superconductor in place, turns a demonstration into an explanation — and judges ask exactly these questions. Safety comes first The magnet project has two hazards worth naming in your write-up: strong neodymium magnets can pinch badly when they snap together, and they will erase cards and damage phones and hard drives kept nearby. Liquid nitrogen needs more care. It boils at −196 °C, so it causes cold burns on contact, and it displaces oxygen as it evaporates. Handle it with an adult present, in a ventilated room, wearing eye protection and insulated gloves, and never seal it in a closed container. The handling guide covers storage, transport and what to do if it spills. Schools running this as a class activity can also use our institutional ordering route, which includes a risk assessment template. Presenting to the judges If you want a worked example of a project built for judging criteria — research question, variables, field-cooling protocol, force measurement, uncertainty and the graphs — follow our complete flux-pinning force experiment method. Lead with the question, not the apparatus. Show your data — a graph beats a photograph — and be straightforward about what your setup does not prove. If your maglev train relies on guide walls for stability, say so and explain why the physics requires them. Admitting a limitation and explaining it reads as understanding; hiding it reads as not knowing. Practise the demonstration until it works reliably, and have a plan for when it does not. Judges will ask why it works, so rehearse that answer in plain language before you rehearse the technical version. The physics behind it If you want to understand what you are demonstrating, the Meissner effect versus flux pinning explains why a superconductor holds its position instead of sliding away — the two are routinely confused, and getting it right will distinguish your project. What superconducting levitation is covers the underlying mechanism, and The Physics collects the rest of our explanatory articles.
Explore superconductor levitation and create a tabletop hoverboard with magnets. In this science fair experiment students can explore magnetic levitation and superconductors.
This project levitates a small train on permanent magnets alone — no liquid nitrogen, no cryogenic handling, no special safety kit. That makes it one of the few levitation projects you can build and demonstrate in an ordinary classroom. If you can get hold of liquid nitrogen, the superconductor hoverboard project shows genuinely stable levitation and tends to score higher with judges. Why would anyone want a train that floats? Moving anything takes energy. A train resists changes to its velocity in proportion to its mass, which is why a heavier train needs a bigger push to get going, and why that push costs more fuel. Getting up to speed is only half the problem, though. Once a train reaches cruising speed it still burns energy continuously, because resistance forces are constantly trying to slow it down. Two forces dominate. Air drag grows sharply with speed. Rolling friction comes from the wheels themselves — steel wheels flexing against steel rails, bearings turning, and wheels slipping when the grip runs out. Wheel slip is the practical ceiling: past roughly 300 km/h, conventional wheeled trains start fighting their own contact patch more than the air. Remove the wheels and you remove that ceiling. A train that never touches its track has no rolling friction and no wheel slip, leaving only air drag to overcome. That is the entire argument for magnetic levitation, and it is the argument your project is demonstrating. Why magnets alone refuse to hold still Magnets are the obvious way to lift something without touching it. Put two magnets close together with like poles facing and they push apart hard enough to carry real weight. The catch is stability. Try balancing one magnet above another and it will not simply hover — it flips, slides sideways and falls. This is not a matter of technique. It is a result known as Earnshaw’s theorem: a stationary object cannot be held in stable equilibrium by permanent magnets alone. Every position that looks balanced is balanced the way a pencil is balanced on its tip. Real maglev systems solve this with an active stabilising mechanism — sensors and electromagnets that strengthen the field when the train drops and weaken it when the train rises, thousands of times per second. A classroom project solves it mechanically instead, with guide walls that physically stop the train escaping sideways while the magnets carry its weight. That distinction is worth stating plainly in your write-up, because it is the single point most projects get wrong. Your train is magnetically supported and mechanically guided. It is not freely levitating. The only tabletop way to get true stable levitation without contact is flux pinning in a superconductor, which is a different experiment and needs liquid nitrogen. What you need A magnetic steel plate, roughly 7.5 × 30 cm, to act as the track base About 70 permanent cube magnets, 10 × 10 × 2 mm A Perspex cube for the train body, with double-sided adhesive Perspex spacers to set the width of the track channel A ruler, adhesive tape and a few non-magnetic coins for the measurements The magnetic train kit contains all of the above along with step-by-step assembly videos, if you would rather not source the magnets individually. Building the track Lay the wider Perspex spacer along the centre of the steel plate. This sets the channel the train will run in. Fill one side of the spacer with cube magnets, all pointing the same way. The steel plate holds them in place while you work. Fill the other side the same way, keeping the polarity consistent along the whole run. Fit magnets to the underside of the Perspex train cube so that it faces the track with the same pole, producing repulsion. Add the guide walls either side of the channel, close enough to stop the train tipping out but not so close that they drag. Set the train down in the channel. It should float a few millimetres clear and glide with a light push. One detail trips people up: magnets attract when stacked along the field direction, but two magnets placed side by side attract only when their polarities are opposed. If a section of your track keeps flipping magnets around as you lay them, the polarity of that row is fighting its neighbour — turn the row over rather than forcing individual pieces. Experiments worth running A track that floats a train is a demonstration, not an experiment. What turns it into a science fair project is measuring something and explaining the result. How much can it carry? Tape coins to the top of the train one at a time until it settles onto the track. That load is your levitation capacity. How does height vary with load? Measure the gap with a ruler after each coin, then plot height against weight. The line is not straight — can you explain why the force climbs so steeply as the gap closes? Does magnet count matter? Compare four magnets under the train against two. Does twice the magnet give you twice the clearance? Where does the energy go? Give the train a consistent push and time how far it travels. With rolling friction gone, what is actually slowing it down? Presenting it well Judges reward projects that answer a question rather than projects that perform a trick. Lead with the physics problem — friction limits how fast trains can go — then show your height-versus-load graph as evidence of how the magnetic force behaves. Be upfront that the guide walls are doing the stabilising work, and explain why Earnshaw’s theorem makes them necessary. That honesty reads as understanding, not as a shortcoming. If you want to go further, flux pinning versus the Meissner effect explains how superconductors achieve the stability that permanent magnets cannot, and our science fair project ideas covers how to structure and present the finished board.
The scientific world is in turmoil. Room temperature superconductivity has been discovered. Or so it seems. Let's explore some issues with the latest LK-99 publications and videos.
The scientific world is in turmoil. Room temperature superconductivity has been discovered. Or so it seems. A group of scientists from South Korea (Sukbae Lee, Jihoon Kim, Hyun-Tak Kim, Sungyeon Im, SooMin An, and Keun Ho Auh) published two pre-print (not peer reviewed yet) manuscripts describing what they claim is the first room temperature, ambient pressure superconductors. https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12037 https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12008 The promise of room temperature superconductors is, of course, huge: Create efficient electronic devices that do not dissipate heat (just think of your computer and how it heats up when it works hard). Transfer huge amount of energy (current) from afar without dissipation, e.g. spread solar and wind energy sources across the globe and transfer the electricity thousands of kilometers/miles to where it’s most needed. Create enormous magnetic fields for MRI machines / particle accelerators / fusion energy device / etc. without the need for expensive and cumbersome cryogenics. And much more. What makes a superconductor a superconductor? Any superconductor is characterized by 2 intrinsic properties: Zero dc electrical resistance Meissner effect Both are not trivial to measure. Let me explain why. 1. Zero dc electrical resistance Measuring the lack of resistance is like measuring the lack of a signal. You need to have a suitable measurement setup that will not be affected by the measurement itself or by the surroundings. The most common way to measure the electrical resistance of a superconductor directly is the 4-wire technique – inject current into the SC using two current leads and probe the voltage using two separate contacts. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4-wire-measurement-setup.jpg" alt="4 wire measurement setup" class="wp-image-106976" width="271" height="270" srcset="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4-wire-measurement-setup.jpg 320w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4-wire-measurement-setup-280x280.jpg 280w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4-wire-measurement-setup-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 271px) 100vw, 271px" /> 4-wire measurement setup <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot-of-Keynote-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-106515" width="409" height="272" srcset="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot-of-Keynote-1.png 1542w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot-of-Keynote-1-600x400.png 600w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot-of-Keynote-1-510x341.png 510w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot-of-Keynote-1-768x513.png 768w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot-of-Keynote-1-1536x1026.png 1536w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot-of-Keynote-1-350x234.png 350w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot-of-Keynote-1-300x200.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 409px) 100vw, 409px" /> Metallic coating on a ceramic sample For the 4-wire measurement to be affective several conditions must be met: Reliable electrical contacts. This usually means that the contact resistance is not too large ( Ohmic contacts) and that it stays connected during cooling/heating cycles. This is especially challenging with ceramic dielectric (electrical insulating) materials such as the new superconductors. e.g. the conductivity of the new LK-99 material is x10,000 worse than gold – Gold resistivity is ~2 x 10-6. [Ohm*cm] vs. LK-99 which is ~2 x 10-2 To overcome this challenge we need additional conductive coating (e.g. silver/gold layer ) on the superconductor surface. See for example the image above of a piece of superconducting BSSCO. The shape of the conductor must be a bar shape – i.e. the width & thickness << length. If the conductor is more rectangle in shape (width ~ length), then the current spread across the material is not well defined and there is a good chance that the voltage probes will not measure the correct potential drop across the sample. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Measurement-of-a-square-conductivity-sample-in-the-Van-der-Pauw-geometry-The-two.png" alt="Measurement of a square conductivity sample in the van der pauw geometry the two" class="wp-image-107999" width="285" height="192" srcset="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Measurement-of-a-square-conductivity-sample-in-the-Van-der-Pauw-geometry-The-two.png 389w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Measurement-of-a-square-conductivity-sample-in-the-Van-der-Pauw-geometry-The-two-350x236.png 350w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Measurement-of-a-square-conductivity-sample-in-the-Van-der-Pauw-geometry-The-two-300x202.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 285px) 100vw, 285px" /> For an arbitrary shape that does not meet this criteria another technique was developed – The Van-Der-Pauw technique. 2. Meissner effect The Meissner effect is an intrinsic property of the superconductor that stems from the fact that it’s a lower energy state of the matter. The superconductor ‘uses’ its ability to drive currents without loss of energy to push away any magnetic fields from its body, thereby preserving the lower energy superconductivity state. The Meissner effect is the perfect diamagnetic response, the SC becomes an opposite magnet and repels any external one. Regardless of polarization. The repelling forces induced by the Meissner effect caused a non-stable levitation (like a spring loaded repulsion). A demonstration of Meissner repulsion Stable levitation is only achieved in type II superconductors when the Meissner effect is combined with flux pinning. The pinning is a unique phenomena to certain superconductors and allows superconductivity to coexist side-by-side with magnetic fields. Weak areas inside the SC – grain boundaries, imperfections, etc. become trapping points to external magnetic flux where superconductivity is locally destroyed. Since SC is the preferred (minimum energy) state, any movement of the flux lines outside the pinning centers will result in an increase of the energy – hence a returning force is created. Just like a spring applies a returning force when it is compress or extended. Flux pinning is a sign of type-II superconductivity but is not an intrinsic SC property. Issues with the recent room temperature publications Everyone (and I mean everyone) is excited about the new LK-99 discovery. However, there are many questions about the recent publications that must be addressed. No zero resistance measurement There is only one measurement shown of the resistance vs. temperature of the new SC. And it doesn’t show an actual zero electrical resistance. Many explanations are given but the fact remains – no zero dc resistance is observed. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/77C521C9-4CE3-4F70-B3FB-8972A24778DC.png" alt="" class="wp-image-108013" width="526" height="305" srcset="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/77C521C9-4CE3-4F70-B3FB-8972A24778DC.png 762w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/77C521C9-4CE3-4F70-B3FB-8972A24778DC-600x348.png 600w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/77C521C9-4CE3-4F70-B3FB-8972A24778DC-350x203.png 350w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/77C521C9-4CE3-4F70-B3FB-8972A24778DC-300x174.png 300w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/77C521C9-4CE3-4F70-B3FB-8972A24778DC-510x296.png 510w" sizes="(max-width: 526px) 100vw, 526px" /> Fig. 6(a) https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12037 In an attempt to convince that there is an actual zero resistance (voltage) another measurement of a different sample is shown. This out of context measurement may or may not be superconducting. Additional data of the V(I) curves (the voltage measured at various input currents) shows a finite resistance (non-zero) even at the lowest currents (below the critical current): <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-108002" width="501" height="332" srcset="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image.jpeg 604w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-600x397.jpeg 600w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-350x232.jpeg 350w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-300x199.jpeg 300w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-510x338.jpeg 510w" sizes="(max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px" /> Fig. 1(a) https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12008 Problematic 4-wire measurement setup There are two mentions of the actual resistance measurements: “Figure 5 shows the temperature dependence of the resistivity of sample 2 (4.8 x 10.1 x 1.2mm) measured at 30 mA by the four-probe method. ” [https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12037] And – “4-point probe measurement was performed with 4 four pogo test probes (YoungJinSa, Inc., Korea) insulated from each other and arrayed in one line with the same distance (1.2mm). “ [https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12008] The geometry of the sample is a rectangle and using the 4-wire setup is problematic. Additionally, making physical contacts without any metallic coating (just by “pogo probes”) is very difficult. Further more, as stated: “Also, a thin film of LK-99 was fabricated on the precision glass plate by a thermal vapor deposition process (UNIVAC, Korea). ” Creating a thin film sample that preserves the same superconducting properties as the bulk material is a huge task that takes many trials and a long time. No technical details were given for the thin film deposition (temperature, pressure, gases, annealing process, target material, etc.) or its properties. Transition to the superconducting state is too sharp As the authors mention in https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12008: “Moreover, since LK-99 has a polycrystalline morphology shown in Figure 2, the non-uniform resistivity of the bulk samples can be explained as inter-grain boundaries, intergranular vortex flow, free vortex flow(18-20) of polycrystalline superconducting phase. ” The transition to the superconducting stage of a non-uniform, polycrystalline sample is expected to be gradual and span several degrees at best. The same goes from the critical current values across the bulk image which is highly affected by the different grains (doping) and the boundaries between them (angle, quality, etc.). Hence one might expect a gradual transition both in temperature and current. As an example, below is a typical transition curve of a bulk BSCCO superconductor. This is a highly homogenous sample. A new material is expected to have much worse homogeneity (wider transition): <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Critical-temperature-1600x1000.jpg" alt="Critical temperature" class="wp-image-108010" width="710" height="444" srcset="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Critical-temperature-1600x1000.jpg 1600w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Critical-temperature-600x375.jpg 600w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Critical-temperature-768x480.jpg 768w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Critical-temperature-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Critical-temperature-2048x1280.jpg 2048w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Critical-temperature-350x219.jpg 350w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Critical-temperature-300x188.jpg 300w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Critical-temperature-510x319.jpg 510w" sizes="(max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px" /> A typical critical temperature measurement using 4-wire technique Questionable flux pinning levitation video Even more recently, a video showing an actual levitation, including what might be flux pinning, emerged online: https://twitter.com/Andercot/status/1687740396691185664?s=20 This video raises even more questions – The levitating sample is much smaller than the magnets. Assuming the magnets are uniformly magnetized, the magnetic field across most of the surface is uniform. A flux pinned superconductor that is much smaller than the lateral size of the magnet – will be able to freely move along identical field lines. See the video below. A flux pinned SC moves freely across a single magnet A complete locking in 3D, like seen in the published video, is expected only if the magnetic field is highly non-uniform in ALL directions (up-down AND lateral) on a length scale of the superconductor sample. This does not seem to be the case.
What Is Superconducting Levitation and How Does it Work?
Ever wondered how Quantum levitation is possible? It’s all due to superconducting materials! These materials have special properties that allow them to conduct electricity without any resistance. When a magnet is placed near a superconducting material, the superconductor does two things at the same time – expel some of the magnetic field from its body (Meissner effect) and pin some of the field inside (flux pinning). This creates two effects: Magnetic repulsion – the superconductor “becomes” an opposite magnet and feels a repulsion force. Quantum Locking – locking of the superconductor in the surrounding magnetic field, preventing the pinned magnetic flux lines from moving inside the material. How Does Superconducting Levitation or Quantum Levitation Work? Superconducting levitation requires two conditions to be met in order for it to happen. First, the material itself must be cooled to temperatures well below room temperatures (around -163°C / -261°F). This is because all the superconductors we know of today, become superconductive only at low temperatures. Second, a powerful magnet must be placed near the superconductor. Initially, this causes electron pairs (Cooper pairs) within the material to start moving, and produce a magnetic field opposite to the external field, and as a result create magnetic repulsion. This is called the Meissner effect. A small magnetic ball is dropped above a superconductor. Its magnetic field is being expelled from the superconductor and as a result the ball is repelled from the superconductor. If the magnetic field is strong enough and the superconductor is of the right type (called Type II), the field will overcome the Meissner expulsion and penetrate the body of the superconductor. The magnetic field will enter the body in the form of discrete magnetic tubes or fluxons. The fluxons may get stuck in pinning centers – areas where superconductivity is relatively weaker, such as defects, grain boundaries, etc. This effect is called Flux Pinning. Any movement of the fluxons outside the pinning centers will cause the energy of the system to increase and will thus be followed by a force the tries to negate it. This is similar to a ball at the bottom of a bowl where any movement of the ball will increase its potential energy and will thus be encountered with a returning force towards the center. Discrete flux line (fluxons) shown from above as they enter a superconductor and get stuck in an array of pinning centers. A ball feels a returning force inside a potential wall When the flux is pinned inside the material it locks the superconductor in place and we get the 3D locking effect. The superconductor can be frozen mid-air in any orientation and even be suspended below the magnet. We can distinguish between the Meissner repulsion and flux pinning with an easy-to-do experiment: Flux pinning forces can be both negative and positive Meissner effect repulsion force is always positive Read more about these here What determines the strength of the locking? Superconducting Critical Current – Superconductors have one “card” in its sleeve – the ability to transfer currents without resistance. These supercurrents produce a magnetic field that interacts with the external field and are the source of the levitation and suspension forces. The maximal levitation force depends strongly on the maximal internal current a superconductor can transfer or critical current, Ic . A typical value of Ic in modern high-Tc superconductors is ~500A for a 1cm wide tape at liquid nitrogen temperatures (77K). The higher the critical current the stronger the levitation force. External magnetic Field strength & gradient – Another parameter that affects the levitation force is the strength of the external magnetic field and its spatial gradient. The levitation forces stem from the energy changes when fluxons move inside the superconductor and in/out of pinning centers. The stronger the magnetic field the more fluxons are and the overall force needed to move them. Also, if the external field changes rapidly in space, having a strong spatial gradient, the fluxons will try to move when the superconductor is moved which will require a stronger force. A superconductor is locked mid-air in different orientations above a permanent magnet. <span class="gtm4wp_productdata" style="display:none; visibility:hidden;" data-gtm4wp_product_data="{"internal_id":888,"item_id":888,"item_name":"Mini Maglev Kit","sku":"304\/5","price":0,"stocklevel":null,"stockstatus":"instock","google_business_vertical":"retail","item_category":"Quantum Demonstration Kits","id":888,"productlink":"https:\/\/quantumlevitation.com\/product\/mini-maglev-kit-full\/","item_list_name":"General Product List","index":0,"product_type":"composite","item_brand":""}"> Mini Maglev Kit $1,497.00 – $2,245.00Price range: $1,497.00 through $2,245.00 View kit <span class="gtm4wp_productdata" style="display:none; visibility:hidden;" data-gtm4wp_product_data="{"internal_id":814,"item_id":814,"item_name":"Economy superconductivity Levitation Kit","sku":"310","price":139,"stocklevel":null,"stockstatus":"instock","google_business_vertical":"retail","item_category":"Superconductor Experiment Kits","id":814,"productlink":"https:\/\/quantumlevitation.com\/product\/superconductivity-kit\/","item_list_name":"General Product List","index":0,"product_type":"variable","item_brand":""}"> Economy superconductivity Levitation Kit $139.00 – $399.00Price range: $139.00 through $399.00 View kit <span class="gtm4wp_productdata" style="display:none; visibility:hidden;" data-gtm4wp_product_data="{"internal_id":290,"item_id":290,"item_name":"DIY Maglev Kit with Strong Maglev Magnets","sku":290,"price":534,"stocklevel":null,"stockstatus":"instock","google_business_vertical":"retail","item_category":"Science-project","id":290,"productlink":"https:\/\/quantumlevitation.com\/product\/diy-maglev-kit\/","item_list_name":"General Product List","index":0,"product_type":"variable","item_brand":""}"> DIY Maglev Kit with Strong Maglev Magnets $534.00 – $801.00Price range: $534.00 through $801.00 View kit
Superconductor Hoverboard Science Fair Project: Build It and Measure It
A superconductor cooled in liquid nitrogen hangs above a magnetic track and glides along it. How to build the demonstration, and how to turn it into a science fair project a judge will mark well.
A superconductor cooled in liquid nitrogen will hang in mid-air above a magnetic track and glide along it with almost no friction — a real hoverboard, at desk scale. It also makes an unusually strong science fair project, because unlike most levitation demonstrations you can measure it, not just admire it. What you are actually demonstrating This is the part most projects get wrong, and getting it right is what separates a good board from an average one. Two different effects are at work, and they are not the same thing: The Meissner effect is the superconductor expelling magnetic field from its interior. On its own it produces repulsion — and repulsion alone is unstable. A magnet floating purely by repulsion slides off sideways almost immediately. Flux pinning is what actually holds the disc in place. YBCO is a type-II superconductor, which means magnetic field does not get expelled completely. Instead it threads through the material in thousands of discrete quantised tubes, or vortices, and defects in the ceramic trap those vortices where they are. The disc is effectively pinned to the field pattern it was cooled in. That distinction is why the disc will hang below a magnet, or sit locked at an angle, and stay there. Pure repulsion cannot do that. If your write-up says “the Meissner effect makes it float”, it is not quite right — and a physics teacher will notice. Turning a demonstration into an experiment A levitating disc is a spectacle. A science project needs a question with a measurable answer. The demonstration becomes an experiment the moment you introduce something you can change and something you can measure. Workable questions, in rough order of difficulty: How does levitation height depend on the field strength below the disc? Change the number of magnet layers; measure the gap. How long does levitation last, and what determines it? Time from removal of coolant to the disc touching down, against ambient temperature or disc thickness. How does track spacing affect how freely the disc moves? Vary the gap between magnet rows; measure how far a single push carries the disc. Does the cooling height change the pinning? Cool the disc at 3 mm above the track, then at 10 mm, and compare where it comes to rest. This one surprises people, and it is the most direct evidence of flux pinning there is. Question 4 is the strongest project of the four, because the result is counter-intuitive and it tests the actual mechanism rather than just the outcome. What you need A YBCO superconductor disc (a “levitator”) Neodymium magnets, 10 × 10 × 2 mm A steel sheet to build the track on Track spacers Plastic tongs — never handle a cooled disc with bare fingers Liquid nitrogen, roughly half a litre, and a shallow foam tray A ruler or calipers, and a phone that can shoot slow motion Everything except the liquid nitrogen is in the superconductivity kits — the two-minute kit guide will tell you which one fits. Liquid nitrogen has to be sourced locally — the liquid nitrogen guide covers where to buy it and how to handle it safely. Build 1 — the magnet matrix Lay the magnets on the steel sheet in a square — 2 × 2, then 3 × 3, then 4 × 4. Orient them so that neighbours attract side by side, which means adjacent magnets point in opposite directions. This alternating arrangement produces a strong, sharply varying field just above the surface, which is exactly what gives the vortices something to pin to. Cool the disc in the tray for about a minute, until the vigorous bubbling settles down. Lift it with the tongs and place it a few millimetres above the matrix. Push it gently sideways, then downwards, then try to rotate it. It resists in every direction — not just upwards. That is the observation worth recording, because it is what rules out simple magnetic repulsion. Build 2 — the straight track Rearrange the magnets into two parallel rows: neighbours across the track attract, magnets along the track repel. Push them as close together as they will sit. You want the field to be uniform along the track and strongly varying across it. Cool the disc, set it on the track, and give it the lightest possible push. It is locked across the track but free along it, so it keeps going until air resistance and small field irregularities stop it. Time how long a single push lasts, and repeat it five times — the spread between runs is itself a result worth reporting. Build 3 — introduce your variable Now change one thing at a time and measure. Insert a spacer to widen the gap between the two magnet rows and repeat the timed push. Or cool the disc at two different heights above the same track and mark where it settles in each case. Take five readings per condition, not one. Superconductor demonstrations vary between runs — how much they vary is a genuine finding, and showing that you know to repeat measurements is worth more to a judge than a single dramatic result. Observe and think Why is the disc stable sideways as well as vertically? What would happen if only the Meissner effect were involved? Why does the disc return to the height at which it was cooled, rather than to the closest approach? What is actually stopping the disc on a straight track, if there is no contact friction? Why does the effect end abruptly rather than fading away gradually? Safety Liquid nitrogen boils at −196 °C and causes cold burns on contact. Work in a ventilated room, wear eye protection and insulating gloves, never seal it in a closed container, and have an adult present. The disc stays dangerously cold for a while after it leaves the bath — always move it with tongs. Full guidance and a downloadable risk-assessment template are in the liquid nitrogen guide. Common mistakes Not cooling for long enough. Wait until the bubbling calms. A partly cooled disc will levitate weakly and drop early. Magnets all facing the same way. The field then barely varies above the surface and there is little for the vortices to pin to. Handling the disc warm-side down. Frost forms quickly; keep the cooled face towards the track. Reporting one run. Repeat everything five times and report the spread. Calling it anti-gravity. Gravity is unchanged throughout. The disc is held by pinned magnetic flux, and saying so correctly is free marks. Where to go next If the project goes well, the natural extension is to measure the transition itself: cool the disc while monitoring its resistance and find the temperature at which it drops to zero. That needs a four-point probe setup and turns a visual demonstration into a quantitative one.
Superconductivity introduces one of the most technically difficult challenges for physicists – designing a measurement setup that will be sensitive to both low (& zero) voltages/resistance and to high voltages/resistance at the same time. Below we give a short review of physicists and not students can measure superconductivity in the lab using easily available equipment. […]
Superconductivity introduces one of the most technically difficult challenges for physicists – designing a measurement setup that will be sensitive to both low (& zero) voltages/resistance and to high voltages/resistance at the same time. Below we give a short review of physicists and not students can measure superconductivity in the lab using easily available equipment. The original graph from Onnes’s publication from 1911 showing the resistance of mercury as a function of its temperature. (H. K. Onnes, Comm. Leiden, 124c, 1911). Measuring Superconductivity When current passes through a material, the potential energy of the electrons changes along the current path. Voltage is the potential energy (per unit charge) of the conductive electrons and it is Voltage difference that we actually measure in most experiments. The electrical resistance of any material can be derived from Ohm’s law: R – The resistance to electrical current I – Electric current V – voltage The voltage changes as the current flows through any material. However, when the changes we are after are small, we need to filter out voltage drops from unwanted sources such as the contacts, wires, noise, etc. In order to solve this problem physicists came up with a clever measurement setup that is sensitive only to the voltage inside the material under question. In a 2-wire measurement we inject the current and measure the voltage using the same leads. We measure the voltage outside the superconductor and are therefor sensitive to changes across the contacts & wires as well as the voltage drop inside the superconductor (if it exists). Since the voltage drop in the superconducting state is zero (and infinitesimally small close to the superconducting state) we mainly sense the contacts & wires. In a 4-wire measurement the voltage probes are connected inside the current path. Current does not flow through the voltage leads & contacts and hence the measured voltage is sensitive only to the voltage drop inside the material. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="320" height="319" src="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4-wire-measurement-setup.jpg" alt="4 wire measurement setup" class="wp-image-106976" srcset="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4-wire-measurement-setup.jpg 320w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4-wire-measurement-setup-280x280.jpg 280w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4-wire-measurement-setup-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /> Learn more and perform these experiments using our 4-point measurement kit and Superconductivity Experiment kit : <span class="gtm4wp_productdata" style="display:none; visibility:hidden;" data-gtm4wp_product_data="{"internal_id":106760,"item_id":106760,"item_name":"Superconductivity Experiment Kit","sku":"409-405","price":1550,"stocklevel":null,"stockstatus":"instock","google_business_vertical":"retail","item_category":"Superconductor Experiment Kits","id":106760,"productlink":"https:\/\/quantumlevitation.com\/product\/superconductivity-experiment-kit\/","item_list_name":"General Product List","index":0,"product_type":"variable","item_brand":""}"> Superconductivity Experiment Kit $1,550.00 – $1,710.00Price range: $1,550.00 through $1,710.00 View kit <span class="gtm4wp_productdata" style="display:none; visibility:hidden;" data-gtm4wp_product_data="{"internal_id":799,"item_id":799,"item_name":"4-point Tc setup","sku":"405","price":587,"stocklevel":null,"stockstatus":"instock","google_business_vertical":"retail","item_category":"Superconductor Experiment Kits","id":799,"productlink":"https:\/\/quantumlevitation.com\/product\/superconductor-critical-temperature-4-point-experiment-kit\/","item_list_name":"General Product List","index":0,"product_type":"variable","item_brand":""}"> 4-point Tc setup $587.00 – $1,249.00Price range: $587.00 through $1,249.00 View kit
Qualitative Experiment steps: Quantum Levitation is the stable levitation and suspension of a superconductor in a surrounding magnetic field. It is actually the result of two separate phenomena: We can perform the following experiments to distinguish between the two – Meissner effect: Flux pinning: Quantitive experiment: Get actual numbers and analyze the forces – repulsion […]
Qualitative Experiment steps: Quantum Levitation is the stable levitation and suspension of a superconductor in a surrounding magnetic field. It is actually the result of two separate phenomena: Meissner effect – the repulsion of magnetic fields from the superconductor body Flux pinning – the pinning of magnetic flux inside the superconductor We can perform the following experiments to distinguish between the two – Meissner effect: Take a Quantum Levitator and place it upside down, with the superconductor at the bottom facing up. Cool with liquid nitrogen. Make sure not to over fill the nitrogen liquid. Take a small magnet (like this) and gently drop it a few inches/cm above the superconductor. It will jump right up, being repelled from the superconductor. This is perfect diamagnetism caused by the Meissner effect. Flux pinning: Repeat the same setup with the levitator upside down and cooled. This time, push the magnet using plastic tweezers closer to the superconductor. Make sure to push the magnet close enough to feel the resistance. Now, when you release the magnet – it stays floating, rotating around its symmetry axis. Quantitive experiment: Get actual numbers and analyze the forces – repulsion and attraction, between a superconductor and a magnet. With the Superconductivity Experiment kit you can measure and record the actual forces in different scenarios: SUPERCONDUCTIVITY EXPERIMENT KIT <span class="gtm4wp_productdata" style="display:none; visibility:hidden;" data-gtm4wp_product_data="{"internal_id":106906,"item_id":106906,"item_name":"Meissner Effect & Flux Pinning Force Experiment Kit","sku":"410","price":899,"stocklevel":null,"stockstatus":"instock","google_business_vertical":"retail","item_category":"Superconductor Experiment Kits","id":106906,"productlink":"https:\/\/quantumlevitation.com\/product\/levitation_force_experiment\/","item_list_name":"General Product List","index":0,"product_type":"variable","item_brand":""}"> Meissner Effect & Flux Pinning Force Experiment Kit $899.00 – $1,149.00Price range: $899.00 through $1,149.00 View kit <span class="gtm4wp_productdata" style="display:none; visibility:hidden;" data-gtm4wp_product_data="{"internal_id":106760,"item_id":106760,"item_name":"Superconductivity Experiment Kit","sku":"409-405","price":1550,"stocklevel":null,"stockstatus":"instock","google_business_vertical":"retail","item_category":"Superconductor Experiment Kits","id":106760,"productlink":"https:\/\/quantumlevitation.com\/product\/superconductivity-experiment-kit\/","item_list_name":"General Product List","index":0,"product_type":"variable","item_brand":""}"> Superconductivity Experiment Kit $1,550.00 – $1,710.00Price range: $1,550.00 through $1,710.00 View kit
Quantum Levitation has dazzled millions of people via major TV networks, the TED conference live and online, and in universities and schools around the world. But we haven’t just created a sophisticated demo for audiences to view; we developed our kits to be simple-to-use and highly engaging educational tools. You Can Experiment with Quantum Levitation […]
Quantum Levitation has dazzled millions of people via major TV networks, the TED conference live and online, and in universities and schools around the world. But we haven’t just created a sophisticated demo for audiences to view; we developed our kits to be simple-to-use and highly engaging educational tools. You Can Experiment with Quantum Levitation It’s time to take quantum phenomena into your own hands! We designed our mini-maglev kit for whole classrooms to be able to explore circular motion. Your students can operate the kit themselves, conducting meaningful experiments like: Circular motion – polar vs. cartesian coordinates Circular motion – constant velocity Harmonic motion I Harmonic motion II – tuneable harmonic oscillator Conservation of mechanical energy Linear momentum conservation I Linear momentum conservation II – plastic collisions Each involves three straightforward steps: 1. Perform the experiment Position the maglev track (horizontal / tilted), then lock the levitator/s on the track and prepare your smartphone camera. Record several videos of the experiment using different parameters. 2. Extract the data Export your videos to Tracker software. Examine the recorded motion of the levitators with your students, and have them identify the relevant parameter involved (coordinates, velocity, angle, etc). <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/03e27d03-77dd-4403-913d-237868882e1d.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-480" width="312" height="214" srcset="https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/03e27d03-77dd-4403-913d-237868882e1d.jpg 745w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/03e27d03-77dd-4403-913d-237868882e1d-510x350.jpg 510w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/03e27d03-77dd-4403-913d-237868882e1d-600x412.jpg 600w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/03e27d03-77dd-4403-913d-237868882e1d-350x241.jpg 350w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/03e27d03-77dd-4403-913d-237868882e1d-300x206.jpg 300w, https://quantumlevitation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/03e27d03-77dd-4403-913d-237868882e1d-582x400.jpg 582w" sizes="(max-width: 312px) 100vw, 312px" /> 3. Analyze the data Use Tracker, Excel, or a similar software to analyze the data you’ve collected. You can perform linear fitting, calculate energies, etc. Discuss the results with your students and enjoy a lively Q&A session about the experiment! Learn more about our kits