Superconductor: This material defies gravity by floating in a vacuum through diamagnetic levitation.

A study published last March in the journal Letter in Applied Physics describes a major breakthrough that could help overcome the problems of antigravity. Jason TwamleyA researcher at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and his collaborators managed to hold a piece of graphite almost perfectly on several magnets. Particularly interesting is the fact that this feat was achieved without the use of any external energy source. Instead, the team used superconducting and diamagnetic materials. FYI, a material is called diamagnetic if it can be repelled by a magnetic field. For example, the principles of diamagnetism allow maglev trains to move.

Various possible applications

As you already understood, levitation allows you design mechanical systems without friction. A concept that theoretically makes it possible to avoid wear and achieve high speeds. As for the work being carried out by researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, it could help develop revolutionary anti-gravity technologies. Areas likely to benefit include transportation, electronics and medicine. You should know that OIST is developing a new generation of generators based on the concept of magnetic levitation. One day they could be used to develop ultra-sensitive sensors.

Magnetic feedback methods

However, Jason Twamley and his collaborators wanted to develop a passive system with the ability to levitate. For this they have developed a new material based on graphite which they mixed with wax to insulate it. This design made it possible to prevent the phenomenon of eddy current damping, which due to external forces leads to loss of energy in the oscillating system. In addition, the researchers used magnetic feedback techniques to adjust the movements of the levitation platform. In this way, they were able to increase the overall efficiency of the system under vacuum conditions.

Measure gravity very accurately

The team also claims to have found a solution to prevent unwanted movements caused by heat. “Heat causes movement, but by constantly monitoring and providing real-time feedback in the form of corrective actions to the system, we can reduce this movement.”explained Twamley. Please note that this breakthrough may also pave the way for ultra-precise gravity measurement systems. More information: aip.org. Do you find this scientific research interesting? I invite you to give us your opinion, comments or point out errors in the text. Click here to leave a comment.