PIRA 5G50.60 Temperature and Magnetism: Flux Pinning

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Photo of University of Texas at Austin's Demonstration

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Instructions / Notes:

• Pour the liquid nitrogen into the styrofoam container, and allow the superconducting levitator to soak in it (logo face-down) to lower its temperature. Wait until the liquid stops boiling (this may take around a minute).
  
• Once the liquid stops boiling, take the cooled superconductor with the provided prongs and place it over the magnetic setup (logo side up).
  
• The superconductor should be "locked" above it in the air. It should feel stable and resist being moved.
  

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Concepts Conveyed:

• Flux pinning; when a superconductor is cooled to a low temperature, the flux vortices within it are prevented from moving. The magnetic field lines will focus on impurities in the superconductor's crystal structure and be trapped there.
  

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Demo Staff:

• Pick up the liquid nitrogen early or the day before the demo.
  
• Be sure to have proper PPE (safety gloves, safety goggles).
  

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