College Physics ›› 2023, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (10): 50-.doi: 10.16854 /j.cnki.1000-0712.220535

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A demonstration setup for superconductor levitation based on  3π-Mbius strip track

CHEN Gan-yu1, WANG Miao1, YANG Cheng-wen1, BI Xiang-yu1,2,  QIN Feng1,2, QIU Cai-yu1,2, YUAN Hong-tao1,2   

  1. 1. College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China;
    2. National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
  • Received:2022-10-26 Revised:2022-12-21 Online:2023-11-01 Published:2023-11-07

Abstract: Superconductor levitation refers to the phenomenon in which a superconductor levitates due to its diamagnetic nature, when put in an external magnetic field. This mechanical equilibrium is achieved when gravity balances out electromagnetic force exerted on superconductor by permanent magnets. In this paper a demonstration setup for superconductor levitation via a neodymium-magnet-based 3π-Mbius strip track is introduced. The superconductor may levitate above, move along, rotate about and suspend below the track. Parameters including magnetic field distribution and electromagnetic force, such as geometry of the track and maximum energy product of the magnets, are optimized. A demonstration duration of 10 minutes is achieved by using a YBa2Cu3O7 superconductor, and this setup is a valuable asset to science exhibitions and demonstration of superconducting physics.

Key words: superconductor levitation, magnetic confinement, Mbius strip, high-temperature superconductor