Meissner-levitating magnets in superconductor-insulator composite traps

Levitating masses are a promising platform for highly sensitive gravity measurements and the eventual elucidation of quantum gravity. Small permanent magnets are commonly levitated in superconducting traps. However, an unpredictable coupling effect, tentatively named flux trapping, makes the magnets’ oscillating modes inconsistent. We developed a new superconducting trap from superconducting tantalum powder mixed into an insulating epoxy resin. We record levitation after every cooldown, but oscillating modes depend strongly on the aluminium shielding around the trap, suggesting that flux penetrating the insulator poses fresh design challenges in shielding and thermalisation. We also manufactured a circular racetrack from the same material, around which magnets might be propelled. Although we did observe levitation, the magnet in the racetrack did not lift off with every cooldown. The magnet could not be moved a significant distance along the racetrack, indicating demand for more...Show moreLevitating masses are a promising platform for highly sensitive gravity measurements and the eventual elucidation of quantum gravity. Small permanent magnets are commonly levitated in superconducting traps. However, an unpredictable coupling effect, tentatively named flux trapping, makes the magnets’ oscillating modes inconsistent. We developed a new superconducting trap from superconducting tantalum powder mixed into an insulating epoxy resin. We record levitation after every cooldown, but oscillating modes depend strongly on the aluminium shielding around the trap, suggesting that flux penetrating the insulator poses fresh design challenges in shielding and thermalisation. We also manufactured a circular racetrack from the same material, around which magnets might be propelled. Although we did observe levitation, the magnet in the racetrack did not lift off with every cooldown. The magnet could not be moved a significant distance along the racetrack, indicating demand for more effective driving coils. When operational, this racetrack may serve as a periodic gravitational signal for future small-gravity measurements.Show less

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Meissner-levitating magnets in superconductor-insulator composite traps